APRIL 2024 - THE WORLD CHANGES (AND WE WITH IT)

At long last, it’s time to start rehearsals for this year’s summer theater production – the musical Fiddler on the Roof! I’m so excited to be part of this show, which will feature an incredible cast of 23 people, including both adults and children!

The musical is set in 1905 in Anatevka, a fictional shtetl (Jewish village) within the Jewish Pale of Settlement in the Russian Empire, an area that corresponds to present-day Ukraine.

The story revolves around Tevye, a milkman struggling to uphold Jewish traditions while his daughters push for the freedom to marry men of their own choosing. As one of the daughters poignantly says: "The world is changing, Papa!"

This is a heartfelt tale and an amazing musical about family, traditions, faith, and culture, but it also sheds light on the brutal persecutions, known as pogroms, that Jewish families endured in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These tragic events compelled thousands of Jews to emigrate to America in search of a better future.

When Västerbottensteatern approached me about playing the role of Golde in Fiddler on the Roof, I couldn’t say no! Especially since my co-star in the role of Tevye, the milkman, is none other than the extraordinary Reuben Sallmander.

Other exceptional cast members include Frida Sehlander, who plays the middle daughter, Hodel.

And the theater’s own Malin Vispe, who takes on the role of the eldest daughter, Tzeitel.

Additionally, Andreas Anterot stars as the revolutionary Perchik, alongside his real-life partner Malin Vispe.

Our brilliant choreographer, Roger Lybeck, collaborates closely with the ensemble to craft spectacular numbers for the show, including the dream sequence.

Västerbottensteatern has a long-standing tradition of summer theater productions, often showcasing a group of incredibly talented amateur actors. This year is no exception, with contributions from Susanne Lohman, Carola Mannelqvist, and Johannah Malmin.

Finally, I must highlight our exceptional director, Ronny Danielsson, whom I have long wanted to work with.

Below is a song from the 1971 film adaptation of Fiddler on the Roof, starring Chaim Topol as Tevye and Norma Crane as Golde. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend it! The song they are singing is the one Reuben and I will perform together.

I can’t wait for this adventure to begin – it’s going to be so much fun!