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!
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![Ad for Chutzpah! 2026 with Meghann Michalsky, the festival dates Nov 3-15, and the genres dance, music, theatre, and comedy]()
Chutzpah! Festival Guide
It’s out now - check out the Chutzpah! Festival program guide here!
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![Liat Har Lev in a red dress with a red flower in her hair, in a sideways flamenco pose.]()
Local Artists Showcase: Opening night!
Come and see the amazing and diverse local talent that Vancouver has to offer!
November 3, 2026 at 7:30pm
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![Image of Ronit's father, Mordechai, sitting at a desk with a drawing of paper planes flying next to him. Drawing by benjamin lee hicks.]()
Things My Dad Kept
Ronit Rubinstein shares her deeply personal, award winning Fringe show for a West Coast premiere.
November 4, 2026 at 7:30pm
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![Amit, wearing a blue shirt, with her arms up in front of her face, in front of a dark background. Photo by Dor Pazuelo.]()
Kristin
May Zarhy and Amit Zaretsky bring Kristin and its unique format for its North American premiere.
November 5, 2026 at 7:30pm
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![Ronit Rubinstein wearing a shirt that says Hey Babe, standing and speaking at a microphone. Photo by Matthew McLaren.]()
Storytelling Workshop
Join Ronit Rubinstein for a hands-on workshop through writing a story they want their loved ones to remember and hold on to.
November 6, 2026 at 9:30am
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![Kosha Dillz wearing a furry hat and green winter coat. Photo by Jeremy Cohen.]()
Kosha Dillz
Kosha Dillz heads to Vancouver to share his comedy and rap with songs about Jewish heritage and culture.
November 7, 2026 at 7:30pm
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![Matthew smiling broadly, wearing a khaki coloured button-up shirt while holding a microphone, in front of a background of purple lights.]()
Matthew Broussard
Chutzpah! just got funnier with the charming Matthew Broussard, and also featuring Laura Sogar.
November 8, 2026 at 7:30pm
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![Ari'el Stachel lit up in purple and blue light, on a stage in front of the audience.]()
An Evening with Ari'el Stachel
Don’t miss out Tony Award-winner Ari’el Stachel and his one man show!
November 9 & 10, 2026 at 7:30pm
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![Meghann Michalsky, Taylor Mcleod, Reese Wilson, and Kaili Che dancing in front of fans. Photos courtesy of Rita Taylor, Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity.]()
Exile
The World Premiere of Exile, a dance piece that explores themes of mass unity, euphoric groove and riotous energy.
November 10 & 11, 2025 at 7:30pm
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![LALA Tamar in a red outfit, looking at the camera and standing behind Ofer Ronen in a white jacket, holding a guitar.]()
Duo Andalus
Duo Andalus creates a journey in song and story through the lands of the Mediterranean Sea and North Africa.
November 12, 2026 at 7:30pm
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![Yankl, bathed in blue light, standing center stage, wearing a patchwork vest, plaid, and suspenders.]()
Yankl And The Beanstalk
Don’t miss the hilarious Yankl and the Beanstalk, a Jewish pantomime making its North American premiere!
November 14, 2026 at 7:30pm & November 15, 2026 at 3:00pm
Upcoming & Past Chutzpah! Plus events in 2026
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![Ad for Chutzpah! 2026 with Meghann Michalsky, the festival dates Nov 3-15, and the genres dance, music, theatre, and comedy]()
Chutzpah! Festival 2026
Learn more about the upcoming Chutzpah! Festival and all the fantastic shows that are heading to Vancouver.
November 3-15, 2026
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![Judy and Eli when they were very little, sitting on the floor in formal wear.]()
All in the family: sibs with chutzpah!
Join sister and brother Judy and Eli Batalion with lots of laughs, investigative questions, and of course, some sibling bickering.
October 5, 2026 at 7:30pm
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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
Past Events
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![Photo of Omer Backley-Astrachan and Jana Castillo dancing in Common Place.]()
2025 Chutzpah! Festival
The 2025 Chutzpah! Festival ran from November 12-23, 2025.
Click below to learn more about the 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!
