Singer of Shanghai - Maltz Museum
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Singer of Shanghai
April 15, 2026
6:30pm
The Singer of Shanghai is a moving production performed by theatre students from Slippery Rock University that tells the true story of a family seeking refuge in China during World War II. This performance chronicles the Abraham family’s journey from the Holocaust to the "Shanghai Ghetto" and their eventual life in the Cleveland community.
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The Singer of Shanghai
is a poignant production performed by Slippery Rock University theatre students that chronicles the true story of the Abraham family’s escape from the Holocaust to refuge in Shanghai
This moving performance explores their journey through the “Shanghai Ghetto” and their eventual resettlement in Cleveland, bringing a deeply personal piece of history back to the local community
About the Production
Based on historical information collected by Dr. Kevin Ostoyich, this production tells the actual story of the Abraham family as they sought safety from Nazi Germany during World War II
When most countries closed their borders, Shanghai remained a rare sanctuary for Jewish refugees until the Japanese takeover of China in 1943
Following Japanese instruction, the Jewish community was required to relocate to a designated area in Hongkou known as the “Shanghai Ghetto,” where they remained until the war’s conclusion
At the heart of this narrative is Ida Abraham and her Singer sewing machine, which serves as a focal point for the play’s themes of resilience
The production illustrates how Ida used the machine not only to make a living for her family during their years in Shanghai but also as a tool for empowerment, using her skills to teach other women in the community how to sew
This unique focus highlights the incredible resourcefulness required to survive within the confines of the ghetto
Following the war, Ida and her son Harry emigrated to Cleveland, Ohio, making this performance a significant homecoming for the Abraham family story
In Cleveland, Ida worked for Sears Roebuck, while Harry eventually became the founder and CEO of Proquip and raised a family of his own
The cast is especially honored to bring this history home to Harry Abraham’s community
Originally written in 2019 by university students Kayla Owens, Kayli Perrine, and Christian Yoder, the play was developed under the direction of Dr. Kari-Anne Innes, an Assistant Professor of Theatre at Slippery Rock University
This year’s cast features David Lafler as Harry Abraham, Julia Nurenberg as Ida Abraham, and Ashley Petrosky as Rose, with Kiera Newman and Ethan Ford appearing in various roles
The performance will take place at the
Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage on April 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Attendees are invited to stay for a
talk-back with the cast
immediately following the show to discuss the historical and creative process behind the production
plan
your upcoming
visit!
Where to Find Us
Address
2929 Richmond Rd.
Beachwood, OH 44122
Contact Information
216.593.0575
info@mmjh.org
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