Jane Ramsey‘s extraordinary vision and lifelong commitment to social change has made the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs a model for Jewish social justice organizations across the country. As JCUA’s executive director for 30 years, Ms. Ramsey bases her work on Judaic principles of justice, organizing coalitions of diverse groups to address homelessness, community displacement; worker and immigrant rights; racism and anti-Semitism. In 2009, Ms. Ramsey was named by the Forward newspaper as one of “The Forward 50,” an annual list of people who are making a difference in the American Jewish community.

This post-show discussion immediately followed the performance of The Island, Remy Bumppo Theatre Company’s current mainstage show. Athol Fugard’s daring drama is set in an unnamed prison based on the one where Nelson Mandela was held. John and Winston are cellmates who spend their days doing back-breaking labor, and their nights rehearsing Sophocles’ Antigone to present to their fellow inmates. When John learns his sentence is being reduced, the men’s friendship is tested. Fugard plays the parallels between Antigone’s fight against political and patriarchal boundaries off of the imprisoned men’s fight for their dignity. The Island is a testament to the resiliency of the human heart.

Recorded Thursday, February 18, 2010 at The Greenhouse Theater.