CONVERSA

by Joanna Castle Miller

A World Premiere

February 7-22, 2026

Young Joanna knows all the Jewish prayers – and how they’re really about Jesus. That’s because, many years ago, her mother, who wanted to be a rabbi, converted to evangelicalism through Jews for Jesus. As a result, young Joanna learns all the tricks of Christian missions, eventually becoming a missionary herself. But when something ancient draws her away, to the traditions she never learned and histories she never studied, she finds herself in a tiny village where, centuries ago, her father’s father’s father faced a similar crossroads and made a very different choice.

Castle Miller, a playwright, performer, and expert in the Jewish History of Spain, performs this one-woman, tour-de-force, auto-biographical tale of her upbringing in the evangelical church and subsequent return to Judaism. A special finalist with the Jewish Plays Project, the title references the term used to describe those Jews who converted to Christianity around the time of the Inquisition rather than face exile from their homeland. CONVERSA is about identity, migration, change, and the echoes of history which call us home.

"This intellectually stimulating world premiere is consistently entertaining and engaging…” -Bill Hirschman, Florida Theatre On Stage

“…overflows with theatrical cleverness that shakes us up and purposefully keeps us surprised, engaged, incredibly entertained, and at the edge of our seats…” - Mindy Leaf, South Florida Theater Magazine

Crew: 

Director......................................................................Matt Stabile

Stage Manager........................................................Carley Knotts

Assistant Stage Manager..........................Gianella Yanez Camino

Original Composition & Live Music.............................Paul Curtis

Scenic Designer...............................................Aubrey Rodriguez 

Costume Designer..........................................Dawn Shamburger

Lighting Designer.....................................................Ashley Hyde 

Sound Designer..........................................................Matt Corey

Projection Design/ Booth Op................................Manny Zaldivar

Properties...........................................................Jameelah Bailey

Associate Sound Designer.......................................Tyler Grimes

Charge Artist.......................................................Michael McClain

Wardrobe Manager...........................................Timothy Bowman

 

Cast: 

Joanna..........................................................Joanna Castle Miller

Musician......................................................................Paul Curtis