BECOMING EVE: Tommy Dorfman Takes Centre Stage

What happens when centuries of tradition collide with modern notions of identity and authenticity? That’s precisely the question posed by BECOMING EVE, a daring new production from New York Theatre Workshop. Starring Tommy Dorfman in the pivotal role of Chava, and directed by Tyne Rafaeli, this play reframes ancient Hasidic customs through the experiences of a young woman fighting to live openly as her true self. It’s all set to captivate audiences this spring at the Abrons Arts Center from 19 March to 27 April, with its official opening night on 7 April. For anyone following trans representation in theatre—or simply drawn to powerful human stories—BECOMING EVE promises a moving, thought-provoking ride.

A Memoir Transformed Into Theatre

BECOMING EVE draws its inspiration from the real-life story of Abby Chava Stein, a figure whose biography might sound almost mythic were it not so intensely personal. Born into a dynastic Hasidic rabbinical family, Stein was earmarked for a life of spiritual leadership—destined, by lineage, to become a figure of reverence within her community. Yet, beneath the surface of that predetermined path, she grappled with a reality she couldn’t openly share: she was a woman.

Written by Emil Weinstein—making his playwriting debut—and based on Stein’s memoir, the script explores how tradition, identity, and community can collide with startling force. Stein’s story is one of radical self-discovery, culminating in her becoming one of the first openly transgender women raised in a Hasidic environment. That she is also a direct descendant of the Baal Shem Tov, the 18th-century founder of Hasidic Judaism, only adds another layer of remarkable history to this tale.

Stories like Stein’s aren’t just fodder for sensational headlines; they serve as invaluable windows into the lived experiences of marginalised individuals. According to data compiled by GLAAD, trans visibility in mainstream media is on the rise, but theatrical depictions remain comparatively sparse. Productions like BECOMING EVE help bridge that gap, giving audiences a chance to see trans experiences—particularly those from strictly religious upbringings—presented with nuance and authenticity.

Why Tommy Dorfman?

Casting Tommy Dorfman as Chava might seem an unusual choice to some, but a glance at Dorfman’s résumé reveals a performer unafraid of stretching their range. Theatre fans might remember them from the stage adaptation of ROMEO + JULIET, while Netflix audiences know them from screen roles that navigated intricate, often dark themes. Dorfman’s ability to embody characters in flux—people on the cusp of significant personal transformation—makes them an intriguing match for this role.

In BECOMING EVE, Dorfman steps into the shoes of someone whose entire self-discovery challenges not just a family, but an entire faith community. It’s an intensely emotional space to inhabit. Much like Stein herself, the character wrestles with the tension between love for her family’s traditions and her imperative to live an honest, fulfilling life. Dorfman’s casting can be seen as a testament to theatre’s ongoing commitment to providing trans and non-binary actors the opportunities they deserve. By bringing their own experiences to the role, Dorfman enriches the production’s authenticity—a vital consideration in telling such a personal, identity-driven story.

A Week Before the High Holidays

Set a week before the Jewish High Holidays, BECOMING EVE plunges audiences into a drama that’s both intimate and far-reaching. Three rabbis gather in a room, grappling with a family crisis that could well pull them apart. The tension is palpable; as the High Holidays approach, members of observant communities often reflect on atonement, self-improvement, and reconciliation. But how do you reconcile identities that seem, at least on the surface, irreconcilable?

In many Hasidic circles, the role of a rabbi’s child is highly structured, with community expectations shaped by centuries of religious practice. BECOMING EVE thrusts all those expectations into disarray. Chava’s decision to transition isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a radical act that tests the very fabric of her family’s beliefs. The play captures this high-stakes environment in a compressed timeframe, building a claustrophobic sense of urgency for characters and viewers alike.

Emil Weinstein’s Debut

BECOMING EVE marks the playwriting debut of Emil Weinstein, who brings writing credits from projects such as A League of Their Own. Crafting a stage production from a well-known memoir can be a daunting task, especially when the source material covers such sensitive ground. It requires a delicate interplay between faith, tradition, and personal freedom—balancing factual elements with the imaginative scope of theatre.

Weinstein’s dramaturgical choices are likely informed by his background in screenwriting, promising a script that flows with cinematic clarity while retaining the intimacy theatre demands. It’s no small feat to render a Hasidic environment with respect and insight, especially when the story hinges on such a taboo-shattering transformation. Yet early buzz suggests Weinstein has struck that delicate balance, and audiences will soon be able to judge for themselves whether the production does justice to Abby Chava Stein’s extraordinary life.

Abby Chava Stein’s Ongoing Legacy

Stein’s influence extends well beyond her memoir. In 2015, she founded one of the first support groups in the United States for transgender individuals with Orthodox Jewish backgrounds who have left that sphere of practice. It’s a crucial resource for those struggling with the question: how do you rebuild a life after stepping away from the only religious framework you’ve ever known?

Stein also claims the distinction of being the first openly transgender woman to be ordained by an Orthodox institution, having received her rabbinical degree in 2011—years before her public coming out. Her personal journey defies easy categorisation, bridging the gap between devout religiosity and self-liberation. For those concerned with the intersection of faith and LGBTQ+ issues, Stein’s story demonstrates that identity does not have to be a binary, either-or proposition. She models a continuous negotiation with heritage, family, and self-determination, an ongoing conversation that resonates across many cultural contexts.

The Creative Vision

No theatrical production comes to life without a dedicated creative team. BECOMING EVE is no exception. Alongside Tyne Rafaeli’s directorial vision, scenic designer Arnulfo Maldonado (YELLOW FACE) has the challenging job of depicting both the claustrophobic intensity of Hasidic life and the expansive possibility that opens up when Chava steps beyond that world. Costume designer Enver Chakartash (ROMEO + JULIET) must seamlessly fuse religious tradition with subtle markers of Chava’s evolving identity.

Lighting by Ben Stanton (MAYBE HAPPY ENDING) and sound by UptownWorks’ Daniela Hart, Noel Nichols, and Bailey Trieweiler (BLOOD OF THE LAMB) promise to immerse viewers in both the hush of a tense family gathering and the tumult of introspective turmoil. There’s also puppet design by Amanda Villalobos (WOLF PLAY), an intriguing addition that could underscore the theme of individuals caught in forces larger than themselves. Music by Daniel Kluger(OH, MARY!) aims to punctuate the emotional peaks and valleys that play out on stage.

A show with so many moving parts requires expert stage management, and that task falls to Jason Kaiser (MONSOON WEDDING). Meanwhile, Claire Yenson leads casting to ensure each character—rabbi, family member, or supportive friend—is vividly portrayed. The sum total of these contributions gives the production a multi-dimensional depth that words on a page alone can’t convey.

Trans Representation In Today’s Theatre

In the broader context of the performing arts, BECOMING EVE joins a growing slate of productions that centre trans narratives, from mainstream musicals to indie plays staged in off-Broadway or fringe venues. While representation is on the rise, there remains a stark imbalance in the opportunities afforded to trans performers and creatives. GLAAD’s annual report on LGBTQ+ representation notes gradual improvement, but points out that many transgender roles in television and film are still cisgender-led. Theatre, with its emphasis on live embodiment, has a chance to be a trailblazer, forging genuine inclusivity in storytelling.

Dorfman’s casting as Chava is a step towards normalising trans leads in theatre, removing the sense of novelty that can sometimes overshadow the artistry itself. BECOMING EVE doesn’t just feature a trans lead playing a trans character—it delves into a narrative shaped by genuine life experiences. This synergy between performer and role often yields a richer, more authentic performance, resonating with audiences who can sense the lived truths underscoring each line delivered on stage.

A Unique Blend of Faith and Identity

One of the most compelling elements of BECOMING EVE is how it interlaces the tapestry of Hasidic Judaism with a trans coming-of-age story. Faith-based communities often provide a powerful sense of belonging, creating cohesive cultural worlds that can be both comforting and confining. Stein’s journey underscores a paradox many face in deeply traditional settings: the drive to honour your spiritual heritage while recognising that certain doctrinal norms directly conflict with your personal reality.

In a period when questions about religious freedom, acceptance, and personal agency continue to dominate headlines, the production offers a rare inside look at how these issues play out within an ultra-orthodox Jewish community. While the story is specific to Hasidic Judaism, parallels could easily be drawn to other faith communities grappling with changing social values. For theatre-goers, it’s an opportunity to reflect not only on trans issues, but on the broader human condition: how each of us navigates the tension between individual identity and collective identity.

Looking Ahead

With its limited run, BECOMING EVE at the Abrons Arts Center is poised to make a big impact in a relatively short time. Should it succeed in capturing critical acclaim and audience enthusiasm, there’s potential for the play to extend beyond its initial dates—or even tour. Theatre has always served as a platform for social dialogue, and a piece like BECOMING EVE could continue to spark conversations about faith, acceptance, and what it truly means to belong.

The timing of the production couldn’t be more relevant. Public discourse around LGBTQ+ rights has intensified globally, with debates over legal protections for transgender individuals taking centre stage in many countries. Shows that reflect these realities—in a personal, immediate way—can help shift culture as much as they entertain. They remind us that behind every headline or piece of legislation lies a human life, replete with love, fear, hope, and struggle.

Ultimately, BECOMING EVE isn’t just another theatrical debut—it’s a story that stitches personal revelation to communal tradition, all while championing the voices of those who challenge long-standing norms. Drawing on Abby Chava Stein’s gripping memoir, interpreted through Emil Weinstein’s keen dramaturgical eye, and anchored by Tommy Dorfman’s transformative performance, the production stands poised to become an unforgettable entry in contemporary theatre.

For theatre lovers, the show offers an invigorating blend of new talent, thoughtful direction, and a deeply resonant subject matter. For those more broadly invested in trans representation or the relationship between faith and identity, it’s a timely chance to see these themes dramatized on stage. When the lights go down and the final lines are spoken, the greatest gift this play might offer is the invitation to question how we each navigate tradition and authenticity in our own lives. And if that spurs new conversations, new empathy, and deeper understanding, then BECOMING EVE will have more than fulfilled its mission.