Nick Cassenbaum invites you into the warmth of the Canning Town Schvitz. Amongst the steam, live klezmer and ritual Nick will take you on a journey to find the place he belongs. A Youngish Perspective holds this exclusive dialogue with Nick.
Tell us about Bubble Schmeisis, what inspired you to create the show?
When I made this show I was really interested in finding a tangible Jewish identity in London. I found myself wandering about bits of East London looking for a connection to where my family lived. But then I found the steam baths. In the baths people were still performing the rituals of Eastern Europe. I found a real clear connection to London, my Jewishness and a different world. I then realised I had a whole roster of stories that connected to this and thought…this would be a fascinating subject to explore in front of an audience. Also the act of schmeissing is very theatrical!
Explain the title for us, what does Bubble Schmeisis mean?
Well…this is a very very dense pun. SO Bubbemeises is Yiddish, it translates as a grandmother’s story, a tall story, an old wives’ tale. As the show is me telling stories it felt appropriate. Then schmeissing is the ritual in the baths. And bubble…well bubble bath is rhyming slang for laughter. It all goes together to make a title no one really gets!
You’re bringing the show back for its 10th anniversary before officially retiring it – why did you feel it was important to give it one last outing?
I guess I didn’t want it to just disappear. It’s been such a big part of my life for the last ten years and people are still asking me when they can see it! So I thought: one more time. Give it a proper send off. One final schmeiss then I will hang up my robe.
You’ve performed the show across the UK, in Detroit, and most recently in Brooklyn – how does the reaction of the audience change depending on where you’re performing?
The show speaks to different people in different ways. Sometimes there is a ripple of laughs as people understand what is going on. Sometimes there are laughs of recognition. Sometimes people speak to me in the middle of the show! But everyone who comes accesses the heart of the show which is about connection to place and culture that we are in or that we strive for.
Would you recommend being schmeissed and if so, why?
100 percent. There is nothing like it. I recommend but also would be happy to be at the schvitz and show people how! I don’t want this ritual to disappear!
What do you hope audiences will take away from seeing the show?
I hope audiences will take away a deeper understanding and appreciation of Jewish culture, as well as a sense of connection to their own heritage and traditions. Ultimately, Bubble Schmeisis is a show about identity, community, and the power of storytelling to bring people together.
Tickets and info can be find here: https://sohotheatre.com/events/bubble-schmeisis/