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.