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Doris Rubenstein of Richfield, Minn., learned all about Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company while writing her book 

 about Jewish theater in the Upper Midwest. She is looking forward to the theater’s online production of “

,” a one-man play written and performed by Avi Aharoni. Aharoni’s father was born in Iran, immigrated first to Israel, and later Minnesota. Aharoni explores the identities of Iranian Jew, Israeli and Minnesotan in this production, which premiered during the 2019 Fringe Festival.

The performance at Minnesota Jewish Theatre aired earlier this fall and is streaming online for a second run, aligned with the beginning of Hanukkah. The dates are Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

 in Minneapolis recommended a new holiday tradition this year: a ballet performance of 

 in St. Paul. The original ballet is based on Hans Christian Andersen’s classic story. In this version by Zoe Emilie Henrot, young Gerda goes on a quest to save her brother who is struck by an “icy fragment” from the queen’s magic mirror.

The ballet is set to the music of British composer 

, whose work has received new recognition. The show features the company of Ballet Co.Laboratory and more than 70 student dancers, filmed to be viewed from home. Creators embraced the alternative format, with magical results, di Palma said. The ballet is available for streaming at 7 p.m. on Dec. 19 and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 20.

 keeps an ear on the Rochester, Minn., music scene, but this week, he had a visual arts exhibit to recommend: 

’s “Reclamation,” which combines painting with fiber arts. Buck’s large paintings “catch your attention from a distance. They’re really bold with bright colors and big strokes,” said Sievers. 

From close up, Sievers found his attention drawn to the detailed embroidery of the canvas itself. Buck’s work is on display through Jan. 3 at 

s new gallery and storefront, which opened late last month in downtown Rochester. 

Emily Bright

Author

This week’s Art Hounds recommend an immigration story from Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company, Ballet Co.Laboratory’s “The Snow Queen,” and a painting-fiber arts hybrid exhibit by Rochester artist Cassandra Buck.

Art Hounds: A new interpretation of 'The Snow Queen'

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