One might say we live in radical times, “A Radical Friendship” takes us back to a time even more challenging than today. Imagine: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel meeting to resolve civil rights issues, and developing a kinship that crosses over race and religion.  

In her outstanding 2-person play A Radical Friendship, Jane Marla Robbins envisioned an ongoing conversation between the two spiritual leaders taking place between 1963 and 1972.  In the historically accurate interchanges, Dr. King refers to the rabbi as “Father Abraham” and “my Rabbi.”

The Shomrei Torah Cultural Committee brings us this production in honor of Black History Month.

Please register to attend IN PERSON below, or if you prefer, you may register for the Zoom link below.

This inspiring play was last seen starring Ed Asner in Southern California. We are fortunate that the Raven Performing Arts Theater’s Artistic Director Steven David Martin will be directing the play with two talented local actors to portray these historic heroes.

Jane Marla Robbins, Playwright

Jane Marla Robbins is an award-winning author of books, cards, plays and articles, coaches classes, lectures and workshops and is a theater, film and television actor.  Please read her full biography on her website here.

Steven David Martin, Director

Steven David Martin became artistic director for the Raven Players in the fall of 2013 and has enjoyed the ever-changing challenges and exciting journeys that each new Raven Players season brings. In addition to the six to eight productions each year on the Raven stage, he has been the artistic director of a number of plays in venues other than the Raven Theater. He has been an integral member of the Raven family for years: as marketing director at the Raven's inception, and directing and performing in several plays before becoming artistic director. He promises the Players' productions will be "often challenging, always entertaining, and never dull."

Martin spent more than 20 years in professional theater, working as an actor, director, and artistic director in theaters from Ashland, Oregon, to Edinburgh, Scotland, and a great many in between. He is also a teacher, writer, and voice-over artist. He lives in Healdsburg with his better half, four kids (most not really at home that much anymore), five koi, two dogs, a cat, and a couple of rats. Really.

Nicholas Augusta

A Santa Rosa local who has been participating in the theater arts since 1990, Nicholas’ passion has allowed him to perform with various theatre companies throughout Sonoma County and California. He is honored to be portraying such an iconic historical figure and looks forward to the challenge of bringing life to this very powerful piece of work.

Robert Bauer

Robert’s time on the Raven stage has spanned over 16 productions in the past 13 years. As always, he is grateful for the opportunity and direction offered by Steven David Martin. In these dangerous times Robert has found inspiration in the life of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, and he would like the Congregation Shomrei Torah to know that he considers it an honor to portray him in this reading. Lastly, love & gratitude to his wife Ginny for her support, and for all the goodness she brings to life.

To attend by Zoom, register for the link by clicking here.

To attend in person, please register below.

Priority registration for in-person attendance for CST MEMBERS ONLY through February 11th.