Pink Purim

A brand-new Purim romp, all decked out in pink.

Une poupée Barbie habillée en robe rose et portant une couronne.

« Barbesther in Shushanland », inspired by the Book of Esther, retells the story of the Jewish queen of Persia as if she were in Barbieland. In a world of Toxic Kens and wholesome Mordechallans, how will Barbesther save her people and herself from the evil Haman? With lyrical parodies of songs from Greta Gerwig’s movie, enjoy your best day every day with a good-enough-to-drink Pink Purim.

Script available for free (while donations are encouraged). Chag Sameach!

Free Purim Spiels

A Purim spiel or Purim play is usually a comic dramatization of the Book of Esther, the central text and narrative that describes what transpired on Purim and why it is celebrated as an important Jewish holiday. Jews have long gathered on Purim to tell the story of the Book of Esther in performance. Recently, it has been more and more common to tell the story by parodying well-known music.

In 2024, Purim celebrations begin at sundown on March 23 and end at nightfall on March 24.

Click here for free access to Purim spiel scripts in English, which you may use in your community. Then loop back to tell us how it went!

Upcoming Public Readings

I confess: I’m one of those writers who loves to read her stuff out loud. Preferably when other people are around to listen, absorb, critique, discuss.

That’s why I’m very fortunate to have three opportunities to read excerpts of my short stories in the next few months.

On September 5, 2013, at 6:30 p.m., thanks to the Toronto Writers’ Cooperative, I get to read an excerpt of my short story Where Pigeons Roost at a literary event starring award-winning Canadian author Terry Fallis.

Then, on September 15, 2013, at 1:45 p.m., the Toronto Writers’ Cooperative is once again providing a reading opportunity, thanks to the launch of its Voices 2013 anthology, a perfect-bound anthology of co-op members’ work, in a range of genres.

Both events are held at the Elizabeth Beeton Auditorium on the first floor of the Toronto Reference Library, and are free.

Finally, on October 3, 2013, at 7:30 p.m., another conglomerate of writers will gather to share a range of work – from short fiction to creative non-fiction to poetry – under the theme Who You Calling Crazy? While this event, held at the Free Times Café in Toronto, is free of charge, donations to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health will be gladly accepted.

I’ve been practicing and timing (and even editing) the excerpts I plan to read, and am excited about these opportunities to share my writing live. If you happen to be in town, come on by and let me know what you think of my performance.