Mikvah Girls

What I liked

I also loved hearing the girls speak Hebrew during the play. What makes a great play is its ability to capture the heart in ways that remind us we are connected as humans. I need not know what they were saying for my body understood, just hearing them speak Hebrew was enough.

And lest I forget the beautiful ensemble that shows us the many shades and variations of what it means to live as an Orthodox Jewish girl. Maya Knell, Rachel Wender, and Sofia Joanna don’t hold anything back.

LAFPI FRINGE FEMME CHECK-IN
https://lafpi.com/2024/07/fringefemmes-check-ins-mikvah-girls/

What I didn't like

Not something that needs to be improved due to the restrictions of fringe but I look forward to when the Mikvah is filled with water during the next iteration.

My overall impression

I was immediately drawn into the vivid and delicious writing from Emmy Weismann and invested in the changing lives of Aviva and Chava. What makes this play so special is that we are given an insight into the Mikvah (Orthodox Judaism) world, which is usually private. We as the audience are given a beautiful opportunity to witness the inner thoughts and workings of a friendship on the brink of morphing.

This play is not only witty and hilarious it is disturbing and eloquent. Emmy leaves nothing to be wondered about and lets us know that these two girls’ entire lives are forever changed when they enter marriages they are not ready for. Emmy tackles sexual deprivation, domestic violence, the love that exists in female friendships, and one’s devotion to culture and heritage while also wanting to honor their identity and heart. These are not easy subjects to tackle, yet Emma does it with sensitivity, humor, and most importantly, love.