Proudly Presents "Temple of the Souls"

History repeats itself, an unfortunate truth when it comes to the persecution of people from certain cultures, whether it is the siege of Masada, the Holocaust, the Puerto Rican Taínos, or today’s crisis in Syria and the Middle East.

 

Popular clinical psychologist, radio and TV personality and United Nations NGO representative, Dr. Judy Kuriansky, is the Executive Producer of the upcoming world premiere musical Temple of the Souls at the New York Musical Festival (NYMF), a love story that deals with the theme of cultural persecution – when the Taíno natives in the 1600s were victimized by the conquering Spaniards and leapt to their deaths off El Yunque rainforest cliffs rather than be enslaved, much like the Jewish people who jumped to their deaths from the Masada plateau rather than be massacred by the Romans in 35 BC.  Cultural understanding is a passion of Dr. Judy, given that she has produced multiple events at the UN, including the “World Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development” and “Interfaith Harmony Week,” has written two books on the Middle East crisis, including “Terror in the Holy Land” and “Beyond Bullets and Bombs,” and done symposia and concerts for peace through her “Stand Up for Peace Project” and “Global Kids Connect Project.”

 

Interestingly, Temple of the Souls is created by sisters Anika Paris and Lorca Peress, who are half Jewish. On their Polish side, members of their family lost their lives in the Holocaust, and on their Puerto Rican side, they were victims of the Taíno struggle. Paris states, "We have this type of discrimination in our history on both sides and are extremely passionate about it, as well as the fact that it is so poignant and relevant in today’s political climate." 

 

“The Romeo-and-Juliet theme in Temple of the Souls reminds us of the importance of resolving world conflicts so that love can survive and heal the world,” adds Dr. Judy.

 

Dr. Judy, Paris, and Peress are all available to speak to you about the play and their expertise and experience about cultural diversity and victimization.  I've enclosed the press release for your perusal, and look forward to speaking to you about this unique  story angle and exceptional play, being performed July 19-23.

Catch limited performances at festival. For tickets, contact http://www.nymf.org/festival/2017-events/temple-souls/ or call 212-352-3101.