‘Steinberg V. Steinberg’ is a three-character play set in 1980s New York, where two sisters put their dying mother on a symbolic trial to confront cycles of abuse, silence, and the lingering impact of the Holocaust. The third character is a Dybbuk, a malicious spirit from Jewish folklore, which will be represented by a life-size puppet, symbolizing the haunting legacy of historical and personal traumas, forcing the sisters to reckon with the complexities of trauma and the terrors of the past.

The project explores how inherited trauma affects individuals, families, and communities, especially women. By blending intimate drama folklore and puppetry, this piece offers fresh insight into the ways history can echo in the present.

The core ambition is to honor stories of resilience while providing a creative space for dialogue about justice, healing, and empowerment.

By shining a light on difficult yet shared experiences, be they from the Holocaust, childhood abuse, or domestic violence, the production hopes to spark critical reflection and encourage solidarity among audiences.

When the puppet is finally “defeated,” the project underscores the power of communal storytelling to heal and transform.