The Wise Men is a sharp, dark comedy and urgent solo character show performed and
created by Yael Elisheva, with direction by Lara Robinson. It presents five hilarious and
uncomfortably familiar stories of Jewish men grappling with their masculinity, and whether or
not to call their mums back. Using drag, character work, acute observation, original song,
dance and physical comedy, the show celebrates and critiques the modern Jewish man in all
his variations.

Inspired by the folklore stories of The Wise Men of Chelm, Yael embodies the men they’ve
known, loved, tolerated, and once wanted to be. The show subverts audience expectations
and reveals the unavoidable links between contemporary toxic masculinity and Jewish
militarism. The show is informed by Yael’s lived experience of growing up in a religious Jewish
community and is committed to challenging fixed ideas about Jewish identity.
After selling out its Soho Rising Festival show at Soho Theatre, The Wise Men is embarking
on a National Tour. This has been supported using public funding by the National Lottery
through Arts Council England.