Guest Author - Lorna London Sloukji

"The more we strip off, the lighter we get," says Barbara Baumawitz, a rabbi-wannabe who gets kicked out of rabbinical school for being "too serious". Played by writer and actress, Tracey Erin Smith in a one-woman show, The Burning Bush, Barbara finds herself at a strip joint, facing serious spiritual agony.

This marks the beginning of an unforgettable personal quest, filled with an adventurous road trip, new friends, and self-actualization. At the Tit for Tat strip club, Barbara meets Christie, a Madonna-loving dancer with an interest in Kabala. The two women become great friends, as Barbara embarks to teach Christie all about Kabala by comparing Madonna lyrics to the ancient study. In the end, it's really Christie that teaches Barbara the value of friendship, humility, and beauty—all intangible concepts that help shape Barbara's true identity, and ultimately refine her understanding of Judaism and her relationship with God.

Barbara cleverly draws comparisons between churches and strip clubs, spirituality and stripping. "I see stripping as a metaphor for the spiritual journey," Smith says. "The more layers we peel off, the closer we get to who we really are and the more we see that we're all really the same."

The Burning Bush was a smash hit at Toronto's Fringe Festival, and has been playing in New York, Vancouver, and other parts of Toronto.

Directed by Anita La Salva, The Burning Bush undoubtedly pushes boundaries, as it encourages critical thinking about religion, seduction, self-expression, and personal relationships with God, other people, and yourself.

"As a director, it is most important for me to stay out of the way and allow the piece to develop while still maintaining a sharp eye, looking for opportunities as to how I can enhance and support the material," La Salva says.

Composer Drew Jurecka, who plays the accordion on stage alongside his wife, Rebekah Wolstein on violin, was drawn to the project after Rebekah saw it at the Fringe Festival and brought him along for her second time watching it.

"Serving the text is always the most important thing when writing music for a play. You have to heighten the emotion that you're underscoring without overdoing it," Jurecka says.

The Burning Bush had the audience in tears, as they relished in the crazy humour, smart dialogue, and dynamic performances by the ultra-talented Tracey Erin Smith.


What others are saying about The Burning Bush:

"A uniquely fun night at the theatre."
- NYTHEATRE, NYC

"A definite must-see."
- Eye Magazine

"Tracey Erin Smith has the art of entertainment refined to the point of hypnotism. The play comes together as a dazzling spectacle."
- Eye Weekly