Tsitsit Jewish Fringe Festival joins Jewish Book Week for a special afternoon of free guest programming.

Villa Russo, from page to stage – 12pm

Author Julia Nelki introduces her family history, a story of the 20th century through the lens of a house in East Germany , and how it is being adapted into a new piece of musical theatre, Stumbling Stones. This is a story that takes us from the heart of Germany to the High Andes ,from outcasts to opera and from cheesemaking to dancing horses. The discussion will include contributions from Marcel Becker of the band Klezmer-ish , and international opera director James Bonas.

Much Ado About Noshing – 1pm

A light hearted look at Jews, books and food ( with bagels!) From Farfel the Madding Crowd to Chrainspotting, spend lunchtime in the company of some very funny writing about Jews and food. And bagels will be provided ,of course….

Bubble Schmeiss – 2pm

Author Nick Cassenbaum in conversation about his hilarious work based on the Canning Town schwitz, East London’s last authentic bath house.

The Poetry Haggadah; setting History free – 3pm

Poets Jill Abrams, Adam Kammerling and Sophie Herxheimer will read from their work as we launch a new project involving contemporary poets and the traditional seder night text. Over the next year, Tsitsit will be commissioning twelve poets to respond to the themes and content of the Haggadah, a text that became fixed at a point in history, but which the tradition itself demands we question and challenge for contemporary relevance.