A Traveling Jewish Theatre presents Come My Beloved,

A Traveling Jewish Theatre presents Come My Beloved, a contemporary, cutting-edge interpretation of one of the world’s greatest love poems, the biblical Song of Songs, as its last production of the season. This world premiere theater piece is conceived and directed by ATJT co-founder and artistic director, Naomi Newman. The production is based on a new translation of the poem and is a fusion of music, language and movement telling two love stories- one of a young couples’ sexual awakening, and another of a mysterious older woman’s search for sacred union. The cast includes David Mendelsohn, Krisztina Peremartoni and Tanya Shaffer. Come My Beloved opens April 15, (previews April 11-14) and runs through May 19, 2002 at A Traveling Jewish Theatre, 470 Florida St., San Francisco, with performances at 8:00 PM Thurs-Sat., and Sundays and 2 PM and 7 PM.

According to Naomi, “Scholars tell us the Song of Songs was considered so controversial that it almost didn’t make it into the Bible. The poem has mystified and inspired poets, theologians and lovers for millennia. In this production, we have dared to combine both the erotic and spiritual dimensions of the work. A Traveling Jewish Theatre is proud that we can bring this ancient book of the Bible to life in the 21^st century.”

A theatrical adaptation of the Song of Songs has never been attempted before, Newman said. “I was inspired to put this on the stage because the new translation by Ariel Bloch and Chana Bloch is so alive. This is such a joyous celebration of love.” She added, “This seems to be the year of the Song of Songs. There are concerts, seminars and workshops exploring it around the country and we are happy to be part of this re-examination of this great piece of literature.”