Vox Tablet

A Very Modern Purimspiel

Stories about hidden identity, vegetarianism, and getting plastered, from four young comedy writers

February 22, 2013
(Margarita Korol)
(Margarita Korol)

A central component of Purim observance is, of course, the raucous, collective reading of the Book of Esther. That tradition has evolved into a virtual industry of theatrical storytelling events, or Purimspiels. This year, Vox Tablet decided to jump on the bandwagon. We commissioned four young comedians and/or comedy writers—Josh Gondelman (of recent Modern Seinfeld fame), Emily Heller, Rob Kutner, and Judy Batalion—to share personal stories related to one of several Purim-related themes. With guest host Rebecca Soffer as emcee, here are their stories, which take us on ill-advised cross-country road trips, deposit us in awkward dinner conversations, and remind us of the many ways one can hide one’s identity, or re-discover it. Music for today’s podcast is courtesy of the klezmer band Isle of Klezbos. [Running time: 23:11.]

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Listen to individual stories here:

Josh Gondelman, “The Kindness of Strangers”

Emily Heller, “Bait and Switch”

Rob Kutner, “Skiing With Jesus”

Judy Batalion, “Chicken”

Vox Tablet is Tablet Magazine’s weekly podcast, hosted by Sara Ivry and produced by Julie Subrin. You can listen to individual episodes here or subscribe on iTunes.

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