Fabrik explores the real life of Moritz Rabinowitz, a Polish Jew who immigrated to Norway at the turn of the last century in order to escape pogroms and persecution, and to build a future for himself. Fabrik chronicles Rabinowitz’s life in Norway in the 1930’s and 40’s, from his rise as an entrepreneur to his private life as a family man and his courageous moments as an outspoken denouncer of anti-semitism, Hitler and the Nazi’s, ending with his incarceration in Sachsenhausen concentration camp. Inspired by Nordic and Yiddish folktales, Fabrik is presented with original hand-and-rod puppets, masks, music and sound design, informed by research of the period, the writings and life of Moritz Rabinowitz, his family, workers and countrymen.

Fabrik enjoyed a sold-out 5-week run at Urban Stages Theater in New York City in January and February of 2008, where it was met with critical acclaim. Wakka Wakka premiered Fabrik, a co-production with the Nordland Visual Theatre, in September of 2007 at their theatre in Stamsund, Norway, where they created the show as artists-in-residence.

Fabrik was made possible by grants from The Six Points Fellowship for Emerging Jewish Artists (a partnership of Avoda Arts, JDub Records, and the National Foundation for Jewish Culture, and made possible with major funding from UJA-Federation of New York), The Jim Henson Foundation, The Royal Norwegian Consulate of New York, The Lower Manhattan Cultural Council/MCAF, The Puppeteers of America Endowment Fund, The Norway Arts Council and Eriksen Translations.

A co-production with Nordland Visual Theatre

•Nominated for a 2008 Drama Desk Award for “Unique Theatrical Experience”

•Awarded 2008 UNIMA Citation of Excellence