Motke Thief, by Sholem Asch, at the University Settlement

The University Settlement Society of N.Y. presents the English language premiere of Motke Thief, by Sholem Asch with an English translation from the Yiddish by Caraid O'Brien, at University Settlement from the 17 Nov - 17 Dec 2005.

Motke Thief, written in 1917, is a psychological portrait of a criminal. Beginning with the beating of an impoverished 12 year old boy, the play follows Motke as he runs away to the circus and becomes one of the leading pimps of the Jewish underworld.

The National Foundation for Jewish Culture commissioned Caraid O'Brien to adapt Motke Thief, this production is the play's English language premiere.

The cast for Motke Thief, directed by Aaron Beall, features Gurjant Singh, Jonathan Butler, Mark Greenfield, Elka Rodriguez, Darius Stone, Bern Cohen, Marlene Hamerling, Penny Bittone, Corey Carthew, Ana DaPiedade, Leah Emmerich, Maureen Sebestian and Devin Sanchez.

Motke Thief has set design and costumes by Uta Bekaia.