FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NJT Presents the St. Louis Premiere of Prayer for the French Republic
By Tony Award–nominated playwright Joshua Harmon
Directed by NJT Artistic Director Rebekah Scallet
April 16–May 3, 2026 | Wool Studio Theatre
St. Louis, MO — New Jewish Theatre (NJT) presents the St. Louis premiere of Prayer for the French Republic, the acclaimed play by Tony Award–nominated playwright Joshua Harmon. Running April 16 through May 3, 2026, at the Wool Studio Theatre, the powerful drama explores questions of safety, identity, and belonging across generations of a French-Jewish family.
Set in Paris, the play begins in 1944, when a Jewish couple anxiously awaits news of missing family members during World War II. More than 70 years later, their great-grandchildren confront a hauntingly familiar question: Are we safe? Spanning five generations and over 70 years of history, Prayer for the French Republic offers a sweeping exploration of home, heritage, and the enduring impact of antisemitism.
A series of companion events will deepen audience engagement with the play’s historical themes, led by dramaturg Dorian Stuber, Emeritus Professor at Hendrix College and a member of the Missouri Holocaust Education and Awareness Commission.
Croissants and Conversation
Thursday, April 23 at 2pm at the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum
A discussion of Jewish life in France and stories from St. Louis families with ties to that history.
Hidden History: A Memoir of Survival in Paris
Wednesday, April 29, at 7pm at the St. Louis Jewish Community Center
A conversation about Rue Ordener, Rue Labat, which recounts philosopher Sarah Kofman’s experience hiding from the Nazis during World War II.
Post-Performance Discussions with Dr. Stuber
- Sunday, April 19, following the 2pm performance
- Saturday, April 25, following the 4pm performance
- Saturday, May 2, following the 2pm performance
NJT’s 2026 season is generously sponsored by Mary Strauss, and Prayer for the French Republic is sponsored by Stellie Siteman and the Siteman Family Foundation. Special thanks to the Rubin and Gloria Feldman Family Educational Institute for supporting the production and its outreach programming.
Do not miss Prayer for the French republic at the J’s Wool Studio Theatre (2 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146), April 16 through May 3. Performances are on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Show times and tickets are available by phone at 314.442.3283 or online at jccstl.com/njt.
ABOUT NJT:
NJT is dedicated to exploring Jewish themes and celebrating Jewish writers while examining the full range of the human experience. We present universal work through a Jewish lens, using our productions to enrich lives, promote inclusivity, and build community. NJT’s 2026 Season is generously sponsored by Mary Strauss.
ABOUT THE J:
The J is an interactive, multi-generational gathering place that offers a variety of programs and services to both the St. Louis Jewish community and the community at large. The Jewish Community Center provides educational, cultural, social, Jewish identity-building and recreational programming and offers two state-of-the-art fitness facilities designed to promote physical and spiritual growth. Everyone is welcome at the J.