Baba Yana

The Soviet Jewish
Grandma Clown

PRIVET WORLD. I AM BABA YANA.
TELL ME PLEASE HOW TO TURN OFF ALL-CAPS, POJALSTA!

Let me tell you something: I am very happy for young people, able to make your internet space squares, your John Wix World Wide Websites, and your Pressed-for-Words ( Why you word-pressed? Just speak!). It is like my favorite Kevin Costner film: “If you build it, they will come and seize it for redistribution.” …I think Soviet versions of American movies have different lines, yes?

But let me tell you something. Please, for Baba’s sake, do not laugh… I am close to a stroke when I hear word “square-space.” Maybe you think I kvetch, but it is terrible, terrible name for an internet. I hear “square-space” and I can only think “RED SQUARE-space!” You did not want your ideas to end up in Red Square-space. When I was little girl in Soviet Union, if you wanted to ”bring ideas to life,” they would be stolen in night and disappear to Siberia. Still, it is very nice internet and they should be proud. I just want to remind them that I am suffering. That is all.

My dear, dear young friend Miss Levsky was very kind to put together this internet space square for me, so I can share how I spend my retirement. I am now digital Baba! I want to share with you some things I do for youngsters of Chicago, who are so sweet and so brainless. My other young friend, Ella, reminded to me to tell you to visit here (I have set link on correct word, yes?), our Instagram page where you can “follow us” (please do not stalk me!!!) and stay dated-up. Thank you, my name is Baba Yana, and welcome to my RED SQUARE-space!


Baba on Film

Baba Yana's Crone Chronicles: Baba Yaga!
SheWolf Sacred Movement’s “Thriving”, April 17 2021.

Baba Yana’s Mindfulness and Guilt Healing Meditation
Alliance for Jewish Theatre #AJT2020 Virtual Conference, October 27 2020.

Baba Just Wants You Warm

Victory Gardens Theater: The Jewish Theatre Alliance Solo Performers’ and Playwrights’ Showcase, November 4 2019.

Family Health: Baba Yana and Itzik
Dec 14 2020.

Baba Auditions for “Beckett: A Show About Nothingness”
Prop Thtr: RhinoFest’s Full Moon Vaudeville, January 11 2020.

Baba Yana Teaches Sex Ed

Prop Thtr: “Uploose Auditorium”, February 21 2019