On Thursday, 17 November, Manchester Jewish Museum will welcome the Alevai Jewish Women’s Group as they premiere their new short Yiddish film to accompany the launch of the North Manchester Yiddish Dictionary.
The dictionary was created together with actor Nigel Pivaro, who played Terry Duckworth in Britain’s top drama series, Coronation Street and contains the commonly heard in Northern Manchester (yet not so commonly understood) Yiddish phrases and words.
class=”m_4167765273878808500mcnTextContent” valign=”top” data-originalfontsize=”16px” data-originalcomputedfontsize=”16″>The screening of the amusing short film, directed by Salford born film maker Rafe Conn, will be preceded by a live five piece klezmer band, Klezmorim of Manchester, and a short Yiddish Show with local wit and entertainer Steven Pearlman.
Nigel Pivaro, of Italian descent, who tries to get to grips with the slang of the language, unfortunately won’t be able to attend the premiere as he’s currently starring in the stage musical ‘The Commitments’ but will introduce the film virtually on the night, and says of the experience:
“I enjoyed it and I’m excited about the project’s potential as it serves to highlight a unique form of linguistics passed down through the generations. As an actor and a journalist I am always interested in diverse forms of communication.”
Gemma Meek, Programmes Manager at the Manchester Jewish Museum adds:
“We are incredibly excited that the Alevai Jewish Women’s Group are premiering their film here at the museum! It is a warm, charming and often comedic insight into the ways these women use Yiddish and brings to life the emotions and senses behind the terms. The film feels like you’re meeting these women and getting to know them as they invite you into their homes and lives, its not one to miss! A real celebration of the language and some of the people that keep it alive and evolving!”
The film, part of the larger Bury New Road Heritage Project, with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Granada Foundation and Mary Monson Solicitors, shows women from the group trying to explain the local, mainly hidden, slang Yiddish words, making a Friday night dinner and sharing family anecdotes related to the Road and beyond.
The premiere of ‘Alevai’ will take place at the Manchester Jewish Museum on Thursday 17th November (doors open 6pm for 7pm start).
