JACK + ZERO

A special screening series honouring two legends of American theatre, film and television–Jack Gilford and Zero Mostel. Children of Jewish Immigrants, best friends, and survivors of the Blacklist.

Both began their careers at Cafe Society in New York, the politically-engaged and racially-integrated cabaret, where they performed on the same bill with artists like Billie Holiday. As they resumed their careers after the blacklist lifted, they redefined Jewish performance in landmark musicals such as Fiddler on the Roof, Cabaret and The World of Sholom Aleichem. Both men were rooted in a vaudeville performance style, but turned that style on its head and brought a worldly and playful sophistication to it as well.

This special curated series explores their unique talents, performance styles, as well as the history that shaped them.
Series consists of one outdoor screening and four online programmes. All are free to the public.

Special Q&A’s recorded exclusively for this series:

A conversation with Josh and Toby Mostel and Joe Gilford. Moderated by Alisa Solomon (author of Wonder of Wonders: A Cultural History of Fiddler on the Roof)
Lee Grant recalls her memories of the TV production, The World of Sholem Aleichem
Director Michael Pressman discusses the making of An Evening with Zero Mostel, directed by his late father, David Pressman

Co-presented with: