Launched in 2001, The Lisa Nemetz Festival of International Performing Arts:
The Chutzpah! Festival
brings world-renowned dance, music, theatre, and comedy to Vancouver.
Looking through a lens of Jewish experiences, stories, and values in all their richness and diversity, we create unforgettable, unique experiences for audiences throughout the Lower Mainland.
Support the arts and become a member of the Chutzpah! Community! Check out our 2026 Sponsorship Proposal
Past Chutzpah! Plus events in 2026
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![Clapboard from the filming of The Fast Runner]()
Out of the Shadows: Reclaiming Jewish Stories
Join us for a screening of David Bercovici-Artieda’s The Fast Runner, followed by a conversation about reclaiming our voices, featuring the filmmaker, playwright Mark Leiren-Young and SFU professor Dr. Lilach Marom. Moderated by Marsha Lederman.
April 19, 2026 at 7:00pm
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Peter Himmelman / Suspended By No String: A Songwriter's Reflections on Faith, Aliveness, and Wonder
Music. Words. Spirit. Featuring a live performance and a conversation with the artist. Jewish Book Festival closing night.
February 26, 2026 at 8:00pm
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![Beyond the Pale musical group posing to the camera and holding their instruments]()
Beyond The Pale
Experience the captivating fusion of Klezmer, Balkan, Bluegrass, and Jazz with this boundary-pushing Toronto-based ensemble.
February 1, 2026 at 7:30pm
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![Cover of program guide with Sarah Freia, the festival dates Nov 12-23, and the genres music, dance, comedy and theatre]()
Chutzpah! Festival Guide
It’s out now - check out the Chutzpah! Festival program guide here!
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![Flourescent sign with comedy in pink and for peace in blue.]()
Comedy for Peace
It’s time to leave the politics outside and laugh!
November 22, 2025 at 7:30pm
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![Photo of Lorin, Sasha and Craig smiling at the camera.]()
Yiddish Song & Dance Workshop
Come sing and dance along with members of the Golden Thread Septet!
November 23, 2025 at 2:00pm
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![The Golden Thread Septet performing on stage.]()
Yiddish Songs of Social Change
The Golden Thread Septet takes audiences through the role of music in the struggle for justice and equality.
November 23, 2025 at 7:30pm
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![Modi Rosenfeld in a black suit, looking right at the camera.]()
Modi
Modi Rosenfeld returns to Vancouver with his Pause for Laughter Tour.
November 12, 2025 at 8:00pm
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![Gila Münster, Sarah Freia, and Yan Simon posing in black, white and red outfits.]()
8 Gays of Channukah - The Musical
Channukah celebrations are starting early this year with the West Coast debut of 8 Gays of Channukah - The Musical.
November 13, 2025 at 7:30pm
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![Deb Williams standing at a microphone and smiling.]()
The Flame Workshop
Don’t miss out on a rare opportunity to attend an in-depth workshop weekend with Deb Williams.
November 15-16, 2025 at 10:00am
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![Dancer Ted Littlemore lit from above while holding chairs.]()
Take This Waltz
SOLD OUT - Take This Waltz is an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and stunning visuals.
November 15 & 16, 2025 at 7:30pm
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![The Flame and its storytellers.]()
The Flame
Deb Williams and The Flame return to Chutzpah! for another fantastic evening of moving and fiery storytelling.
November 17, 2025 at 7:30pm
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![Ronnie as Lenny Bruce, at a microphone and holding hand out to the camera.]()
I'n Not a Comedian...I'm Lenny Bruce
I’m Not a Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce is a captivating portrayal that brings the notorious funny man to life.
November 18, 2025 at 7:30pm
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![Lea Kalisch rocking out on stage.]()
Shtetl Cabaret
SOLD OUT - Lea Kalisch is a rapper, a film director, a Jewish Pop Star, and the creator of the Shtetl Cabaret.
November 19, 2025 at 7:30pm
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![Omer and Jana dancing together with Jana stretched in Omer's arms.]()
Common Place
Experience the North American premiere of Common Place by Australian power-duo.
November 20, 2025 at 7:30pm
Past Events
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![2025 artists superimposed above a city scape and blue sky.]()
2025 Chutzpah! Plus
The Chutzpah! Plus 2025 Spring Edition took place from March 19-23, 2025.
Click below to learn more about the events from the mini-festival!
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![Jeremy Goldstein showing a dark profile and backlit by green and pink light]()
2024 Chutzpah! Festival
The 2024 Chutzpah! Festival ran from November 1-10, 2024.
Click below to learn more about the events!
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![Nani Noam Vazana in a red dress a sun-like background and multi-colours.]()
2023 Chutzpah! Festival
The 2023 Chutzpah! Festival took place from November 2-23, 2023, with Plus shows in February and April 2024.
Click below to learn more about the events!
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![Drag Queens Ziona Patriot & Talula Bonet, The Holy Sisters, in bright pink outfits in front of a white background.]()
2022 Chutzpah! Festival
The 2022 Chutzpah! Festival took place from November 3-24, 2022, with Plus shows in September 2022 and April & July 2023.
Click below to learn more about the events!
