A Pickle

by Deborah Yarchun

For the second year in a row, the Minnesota State Fair rejects Doris Rubenstein’s traditional kosher dill pickles. When Doris confronts the judges, it becomes clear that they don’t understand her traditional Jewish brining process. They also inform her they have “a difficult time judging recently arrived immigrant groups.” Doris realizes there’s more than pickles fermenting, there’s hell to raise. A PICKLE is a...

For the second year in a row, the Minnesota State Fair rejects Doris Rubenstein’s traditional kosher dill pickles. When Doris confronts the judges, it becomes clear that they don’t understand her traditional Jewish brining process. They also inform her they have “a difficult time judging recently arrived immigrant groups.” Doris realizes there’s more than pickles fermenting, there’s hell to raise. A PICKLE is a darkly comedic look at prejudice and the power of Chutzpah (outrageous gumption). Based on a true story.

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A Pickle

Recommended by

  • Jewish Plays Project: A Pickle by Deborah Yarchun
    “

    The Jewish Plays Project recommends A PICKLE as a Semi-Finalist for the 11th annual Jewish Playwriting Contest. Our community of readers highly enjoyed how this play tied together tradition, food, and society so beautifully and appreciated the way this play expanded on something so seemingly simple to draw out larger issues of anti-Semitism and discrimination. A powerful piece for an actress. A PICKLE rose to the top 20 out of 250 plays and we hope this play swiftly finds opportunities to reach new audiences.

    The Jewish Plays Project recommends A PICKLE as a Semi-Finalist for the 11th annual Jewish Playwriting Contest. Our community of readers highly enjoyed how this play tied together tradition, food, and society so beautifully and appreciated the way this play expanded on something so seemingly simple to draw out larger issues of anti-Semitism and discrimination. A powerful piece for an actress. A PICKLE rose to the top 20 out of 250 plays and we hope this play swiftly finds opportunities to reach new audiences.

    ”
  • Rich Rubin: A Pickle by Deborah Yarchun
    “

    A superb solo piece -- beautifully structured, highly theatrical and absolutely hilarious! In addition to being extremely entertaining, it also offers plenty to think about. Exceptional from first page to last, and very deserving of wide production!

    A superb solo piece -- beautifully structured, highly theatrical and absolutely hilarious! In addition to being extremely entertaining, it also offers plenty to think about. Exceptional from first page to last, and very deserving of wide production!

    ”
  • Cheryl Bear: A Pickle by Deborah Yarchun
    “

    We're in a pickle of ignorance here and it's time to discover one's power against prejudice. Well done.

    We're in a pickle of ignorance here and it's time to discover one's power against prejudice. Well done.

    ”

Character Information

  • Doris
    A generous mix of acerbic, outspoken and funny. In her early 50s when the story unfolds. Narrated from her perspective at 64.
    50s / 60s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female

Production History

  • Professional, Jewish Theatre of Bloomington, 2021
  • Professional, Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company, 2021
  • Professional, Twin Cities Jewish Humor Festival, 2018
  • Fringe, Minnesota Fringe Festival, Really Spicy Opera, 2017