Olga's Strike

by Abigail Henkin

A headstrong young Russian-Jewish woman comes to live with her sister in a cramped Bronx apartment. When her Communist ideals come into conflict with her brother-in-law’s capitalist ambitions, she decides to unionize his dress shop as the personal clashes with the political.

A headstrong young Russian-Jewish woman comes to live with her sister in a cramped Bronx apartment. When her Communist ideals come into conflict with her brother-in-law’s capitalist ambitions, she decides to unionize his dress shop as the personal clashes with the political.

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Olga's Strike

Character Information

All of the characters are Russian Jews. Ideally they would be played by actors who are practicing Jews or are of Jewish descent. Jews of color should be considered, as should nonbinary and transgender Jews.
  • Olga
    Dedicated to her Communist ideals and idealistic enough to believe she can put them into practice. Headstrong. Big emotions.
    Character Age
    21
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any / Jewish (but not all Jews are white)
    Character Gender Identity
    She/her
  • Jennie
    Also called Henya. Loud, dramatic. Deeply invested in Alta’s business.
    Character Age
    30
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any / Jewish (but not all Jews are white)
    Character Gender Identity
    She/her
  • Lillian
    Sweet. Suffers from rheumatoid arthritis. More religious than the rest of the family, but not in-your-face about it.
    Character Age
    18
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any / Jewish (but not all Jews are white)
    Character Gender Identity
    She/her
  • Alta
    Also called Betzalel, Tzali and Charlie. Jennie’s husband. Owns the dress shop. Quiet, paternalistic. Can be condescending. But thinks he’s doing the right thing.
    Character Age
    33
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any / Jewish (but not all Jews are white)
    Character Gender Identity
    he/him
  • Morris
    Calm, quiet, even-headed.
    Character Age
    24
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any / Jewish (but not all Jews are white)
    Character Gender Identity
    he/him

Awards

  • Yonder Window Ascending Playwright's Program
    Yonder Window
    Selection
    2022
  • Olga and Paul Menn Foundation Prize
    Winner
    2021