Our History

Historical Roots

For more than a century, Jewish theatre has been part of the heartbeat of Winnipeg. Long before professional stages and formal companies existed, the city’s Jewish community gathered to tell stories, share laughter, and find connection through performance. In the early 1900s, a former Presbyterian church on Selkirk Avenue became the Queen’s Theatre – a vibrant cultural home where Yiddish plays, vaudeville, and musical performances filled the neighbourhood with life. Audiences flocked to see celebrated performers, including the legendary Molly Picon, and the theatre quickly became a gathering place for creativity, community, and belonging. Alongside it, groups like the Dramatic Union staged annual Yiddish productions, and touring companies like the Jewish Theatre Guild brought professional performances from across North America.

Even after the Queen’s Theatre closed in the 1950s, Jewish theatre in Winnipeg continued to thrive through passionate volunteers, community ensembles, and touring productions that kept Jewish stories alive for new generations.

Winnipeg Tribune Clipping from 1940 announcing the formation of the Jewish Theatre Guild

Winnipeg Tribune, September 1940

Winnipeg Free Press Clipping from May 1920, announcing Jewish actor performing at the Queen's Theatre on Selkirk

Winnipeg Free Press, May 1920

The Founding of WJT

The sparks was reignited in 1987, when a passionate group of artists, educators, and philanthropists came together to form what is now Winnipeg Jewish Theatre. Led by founding artistic director Bev Aronovitch and board president David Cohen, they set out to create a professional home for Jewish voices on the Canadian stage. From the beginning, WJT’s mission was clear: to celebrate Jewish life, nurture new Canadian-Jewish stories, and use theatre as a powerful tool for education, connection, and dialogue.

What began as a small but ambitious community theatre quickly grew. By 1992, WJT became a fully professional company, joining the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres and working under Canadian Actors’ Equity Association agreements. Over the years, the company has produced a wide range of compelling works – from historical dramas and contemporary plays to deeply personal stories exploring Jewish identity, resilience, and belonging.

Today, Winnipeg Jewish Theatre welcomes thousands of audience members each year and remains a vital part of Winnipeg’s cultural life. Rooted in tradition and driven by innovation, WJT continues to create meaningful theatre that connects communities, sparks conversation, and celebrates the richness of Jewish experience.

Winnipeg Free Press Clipping announcing the formation of Winnipeg Jewish Theatre with Bev Aronovitch at the helm as Artistic Director, February 1988

Leadership Through the Years

WJT has been shaped by visionary artistic leaders who each left their unique mark:

1987–1992

Bev Aronovitch

“I am amazed and delighted that the theatre we founded some 30 years ago not only has survived but continues to thrive and grow, bringing theatre relevant to modern Jewish life. My initial impetus for starting the theatre emerged from a personal desire to connect with my Jewish heritage. The first few years were all consuming as we struggled to secure funding and create a presence in the community. The time was right. Along with the founding board and its President David Cohen, we built a professional theatre company that produced many successful productions which attracted enthusiastic audiences and garnered important funding support. I am grateful to the many people who shared my vision and worked so hard to bring it to fruition.”

1993–2005

Kayla Gordon

“I’m proud of how much Winnipeg Jewish Theatre grew during my time as Artistic Director. We transformed from a community theatre into a professional company recognized by the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association and PACT – the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres – which really helped put WJT on the national map. I’m also especially proud of the 12 new works I was instrumental in producing during that time, helping to bring fresh voices and stories to the stage. What meant the most to me, though, were the people—the incredible artists I had the chance to work with, their passion and commitment, and the audiences who have and deep investment to the stories WJT brings to life.”

2004–2006

Mariam Bernstein

“It was a great honour to be able to present Jewish stories to Winnipeg audiences through WJT. I have fond memories of reading short, comic pieces we solicited for an evening of 20 minute new works by Jewish Canadian writers. One of my favourite aspects of the position was finding material I knew would be meaningful both to our community and broader audiences, and assembling creative teams to bring them to life in a vibrant way. I am grateful for the artistic opportunities WJT afforded me to contribute to our community.”

2006–2014

Michael Nathanson

Playwright and director who broadened the theatre’s audience and elevated the organization’s national reputation.

2014-2015

Kayla Gordon

After previously serving as Artistic Director, Kayla returned to Winnipeg Jewish Theatre for one season as Interim Artistic Director, providing steady leadership and continuity during a period of transition.

2015–2022

Ari Weinberg

“My time at WJT can be summed up in one word: COMMUNITY. At a challenging moment in the company’s history, I was afforded the immense privilege to step up and help rebuild WJT. The Winnipeg Jewish and theatre communities welcomed me with open arms and- thanks to their remarkable generosity, dedication, and heart- together we built theatre memories to cherish forever. I will always be proud of my time at WJT, and the prairies will always have a piece of my heart.”

2023–present