The National Yiddish Theatre - Folksbiene is America's preeminent Yiddish theatre. It is the longest continuously producing Yiddish theatre company in the world and one of only four international Yiddish theatre companies in operation today. Founded in 1915, the Folksbiene (the "People's Stage") continues its mission to preserve, promote and develop Yiddish theatre for current and future generations and to enhance the understanding of Yiddish culture as a vital component of Jewish Life.

The Folksbiene is the sole survivor of fifteen Yiddish companies that played to enthusiastic audiences on the Lower East Side in the Golden Age of Yiddish Theatre in the early 20th century. Founded under the aegis of the Workmen's Circle, the Folksbiene Yiddish Theatre became an independent nonprofit in 1998, with a commitment to make the world of Yiddish theatre accessible, enjoyable and relevant to new generations and audiences beyond its core Yiddish-speaking constituency. In recognition of its role in the Jewish immigrant experience, the theatre has been renamed The National Yiddish Theatre - Folksbiene.

Each season, the Folksbiene presents more than 100 programs and performances to a combined audience of over 40,000 individuals. The company's programming portrays the history and traditions of an immigrant people in a contemporary venue. In the past five seasons alone, its audience has more than tripled, as more and more theatergoers flock to our stage to sample the excitement. They cheer new generations of artists working in Yiddish who are reinforcing Jewish identity, renewal and pride within a multicultural world.

The Folksbiene's acclaimed repertoire encompasses plays of Yiddish origin, works by mainstream authors, and significant new works in Yiddish, including the 2002 world premiere of Isaac Bashevis Singer's Yentl in Yiddish and a series of popular Yiddish music theatre productions that includes On Second Avenue (2006), Di Yam Gazlonim! (Pirates of Penzance, 2007), the U.S. premiere of I. B. Singer's beloved Gimpel Tam (2008), and the sold-out Adventures of Hershele Ostropolyer (2010), featuring Mike Burstyn with direction by Tony-nominee Eleanor Reissa, the riotous Shlemiel the First (2011), the Drama-Desk-nominated immigration epic The Golden Land (2012), and the critically-acclaimed Megile of Itzik Manger (2013).

At the heart of the program is the Di Troupe, which takes Yiddish theatre to audiences unable to attend mainstage productions. Under the direction of Motl Didner (who also performs with the group), its seven members bring their work to enthusiastic audiences hungry for entertainment and social interaction. The Folksbiene Troupe is a group of young performers who have come to the Yiddish world in their 20's and 30's and are passionate about finding their artistic expression through the Yiddish language. The Troupe currently tours with three musical productions: All productions are performed in Yiddish with English translation supertitles. Russian supertitles available upon request. Mama's Loshn Kugel: a collection of classic Yiddish humor and theater songs. A great introduction to Yiddish theatre. Makht a Tsimes: classic and original songs and sketches about the mishegas of life in Yiddishland. Yiddish Velt: all original songs and sketches that answer the question, "Why Yiddish?"

Here is a video clip from the 2012 production of "The Golden Land":