Shanghailanders: A Dance Drama of Survival and Humanity

Shanghailanders: A Dance Drama of Survival and Humanity

Produced and Performed by Shen Pei Art Studio

Shanghailanders: A Dance Drama of Survival and Humanity Part I: The Ghetto Produced and Performed by Shen Pei Art Studio. Premiering in 2025, Shanghailanders explores the lived experiences of Jewish refugees who escaped Nazi persecution and found shelter in Shanghai. Through movement and storytelling, this dance drama illuminates the challenges of displacement, the resilience of a community uprooted from their homelands, and the stark realities of survival as Jews during the Holocaust. It also honors the acts of kindness and friendship extended by Shanghai residents who, despite their own hardships, provide refuge at a time when so many others closed their doors.

Pre and post-show discussion features world-renowed choreographer Shen Pei, Holocaust survivor and Shanghailander Manny Gabler, and Holocaust historian Dr. Sara Halpern.

Hosted by Natan Paradise, Director of the University of Minnesota Center for Jewish Studies.

Co-sponsored by The Minnesota JCC, University of Minnesota Center for Jewish Studies, University of Minnesota Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, and The Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas.

For questions about the event, email Katie Kline at [email protected].

Host or Publisher Minnesota JCC