Podcast Summary: All Of It – "Becoming Eve' Explores the Life of a Trans Rabbi"

Release Date: April 22, 2025
Host: Alison Stewart, WNYC
Guests: Rabbi Abby Hava Stein and Actor Tommy Dorfman

Introduction to "Becoming Eve"

In this poignant episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart, the spotlight is on "Becoming Eve", a play adapted from Rabbi Abby Hava Stein's memoir. The play delves into the intricate journey of a trans woman raised in a prominent Hasidic family in Williamsburg, exploring themes of identity, faith, and transformation.

Overview of the Play

"Becoming Eve" narrates the life of Rabbi Abby Hava Stein, portrayed by Tommy Dorfman, as she prepares to reveal her transition to her family. The play uniquely incorporates puppetry to represent younger versions of Hava, adding a layered depth to the storytelling. Premiering at the Abrams Art Center, the production has garnered critical acclaim, including nominations for three Drama League awards.

Rabbi Abby Hava Stein's Journey

Rabbi Stein shares insights into her upbringing within the Hasidic community, where expectations were rigidly defined from birth. As she recounts, [09:08] she states, "Everything was written out... from the minute you were born till after your funeral." This strict framework left little room for personal exploration outside prescribed religious and cultural norms.

Rabbi Stein emphasizes the nuanced portrayal of her experiences, aiming to highlight both the challenges and the inherent beauty within her community. [02:04] She remarks, "There’s a lot of intense conversations to be had. There’s a lot of depth in the Jewish texts around gender and sexuality."

Adapting the Memoir into a Play

The adaptation process was initiated by producers Brian and Dana Lee, who recognized the profound narrative of Rabbi Stein's memoir. Despite Rabbi Stein's initial limited knowledge of the theater industry, her collaboration with the producers led to a faithful and respectful adaptation. [04:20] She notes, "We won’t always agree, but our varied perspectives and diversity of experience is what makes New York City great."

Tommy Dorfman's Role and Experience

Tommy Dorfman, the actor bringing Hava to life on stage, discusses his deep connection to the character and the transformative experience of working on "Becoming Eve." [04:27] Dorfman shares, "I read the script and I fell in love with Emile's writing and poetry... It felt like a really unique opportunity."

Transitioning from a large Broadway production to an intimate play required Dorfman to adapt his performance style. [05:45] He explains, "It offers the intimacy of Circle in the Square... It feels less intimate, actually. But there is something quite cinematic about Tynes directing in particular."

The Art of Puppetry in "Becoming Eve"

A distinctive feature of "Becoming Eve" is its use of puppetry to represent Hava at various stages of her life. This creative choice serves as a visual metaphor for memory and transformation. [11:13] Rabbi Stein describes the puppets as extensions of her, allowing her to engage with her past without direct self-representation. [14:44] She states, "There is still a lot of growing in and... the puppets allow memory to enter the present day space."

Dorfman elaborates on the technical and emotional aspects of performing alongside puppets, highlighting the collaborative effort required to synchronize movements and emotions. [14:44] He shares, "We have to... sometimes there's four or five of us moving as one organism."

Personal Reflections and Impact

Rabbi Stein reflects on how the play has influenced her personal journey, particularly in reconciling her past with her present identity. [08:21] She shares, "Watching it has been so helpful in my own life... I think I've become comfortable with this. It's not really me. This is puppets."

The integration of puppetry has provided a therapeutic avenue for Rabbi Stein, allowing her to visually and emotionally process her transition and the memories associated with it. [19:01] She mentions, "It's been so liberating and beautiful... the puppet represents a part of me that I can engage with safely."

Current Socio-Political Context

Performing "Becoming Eve" in today's socio-political climate presents unique challenges and opportunities. Tommy Dorfman speaks candidly about the vulnerabilities faced by trans actors amid rising transphobia and societal tensions. [19:17] He states, "It's been an incredibly vulnerable year... sharing a story about a trans experience with an audience."

Dorfman emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces on stage to authentically portray trans narratives, despite external threats and societal pressures. [19:18] He adds, "I can be as present as possible and not worry about the violence that people are wanting to engage with me on stage."

Conclusion

"Becoming Eve" stands as a testament to resilience, identity, and the power of storytelling through innovative theatrical techniques. Through the collaborative efforts of Rabbi Abby Hava Stein and Tommy Dorfman, the play bridges personal memoir with artistic expression, offering audiences a profound glimpse into the life of a trans rabbi navigating faith and self-discovery.

Notable Quotes:

• Rabbi Stein on community expectations:
  "Everything was written out... from the minute you were born till after your funeral."
  [09:08]

• Tommy Dorfman on embracing the role:
  "I read the script and I fell in love with Emile's writing and poetry... It felt like a really unique opportunity."
  [04:27]

• Rabbi Stein on the depth of conversations:
  "There’s a lot of intense conversations to be had. There’s a lot of depth in the Jewish texts around gender and sexuality."
  [02:04]

• Dorfman on the socio-political challenges:
  "It's been an incredibly vulnerable year... sharing a story about a trans experience with an audience."
  [19:17]

This episode of All Of It not only highlights the transformative journey of Rabbi Abby Hava Stein but also underscores the evolving landscape of cultural narratives within the framework of modern theater. Through heartfelt dialogue and immersive storytelling, Alison Stewart facilitates a conversation that resonates deeply with both the WNYC community and broader audiences.