When Your Soulmate DiesLegendary ‘BlackJewLove’ Comedian Honors His Late Wife and Comedy Partner in a New Chapter on Race, Class, Sexuality and Grieving 

Written and Performed by Steve Epstein & Naimah Hassan 

March 25-June 24, 2023; Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.

New York, NY ( March 21, 2023) – Alchemical Theatre presents When Your Soulmate Dies, a performance by legendary comedian Steve Epstein, who honors his late wife and comedy partner, Naimah Hassan, by delivering a new chapter of their timeless wisdom, compassion and humorous ‘BlackJewLove’ commentary on class race, class, sexuality, and grieving. Written by Epstein and Hassan, performances are Saturdays at 7:30p.m. from March 25-June 24, 2023, at Alchemical Theatre, 50 West 17th Street, 12th Floor in New York City.

Following the death of Steve Epstein’s beloved Naimah Hassan last October and written together by the comedy duo in her final days, When Your Soulmate Dies brings a poignant yet comedic new chapter to the legendary wisdom, compassion, and humor of ‘The Black and the Jew,’ and a culmination of their ‘BlackJewLove’ themes on race, class, and sexuality. Now with a touch of grieving, Epstein (with Hassan by video) gets personal in a heartfelt and funny hour of their classic comedy and socio-political commentary.

“The final year of Naimah’s life spent in nursing homes and hospitals underscored the mistreatment of Black women, highlighting the historic racism by the healthcare industry toward this marginalized group, among all others,” said Epstein. “After 40 years of marriage and as partners in comedy and social justice initiatives, When Your Soulmate Dies is meant to punch and inspire, while bringing levity to a serious subject.”

Tickets are $20, plus fees. Visit OvationTix, or call (212) 242-6216. Tickets are also available at the door 30 minutes before performances.

The runtime is approximately 75 minutes with no intermission.

About Steve Epstein, Naimah Hassan and ‘BlackJewLove”

An interracial married couple and comedic, spirituality and sexuality powerhouse for 40 years, Epstein and Hassan have tackled taboo topics with wit, wisdom, and compassion for audiences across the nation. Their long-running show What You Can and Cannot Say During Interracial Sex (Alchemical Theater) catapulted them onto the comedy scene as relationship experts discussing serious topics that fall “outside the bounds of polite conversation.” With blushing candor, the team has been heralded by audiences and critics for their exploration of sex, sexuality, spirituality and interracial “BlackJewLove.” They were hosts for Blue Angle Exotic Cabaret at House of Candles (Gene Frankel Theatre), and Shock and Awe a Go Go (Cutting Room, Museum of Sex). Their other shows included The Black And The Jew Go Buddhist (Zinc Bar, Sweet Rhythm), She’s Black He’s Jewish They’re Married Oy Vey (Cutting Room, Zinc Bar), Blackjewlove Technology (Theatre For The New City), and Surf Reality (La MaMa). Podcast: “The Black And The Jew Comedy Hour” on New York Talk Radio; Radio Show: “She Black, He’s Jewish, They’re Married, Oy Vey!” on Breakthru Radio.

Past Praise for Epstein and Hassan

Awarded TOP COMEDY at San Diego Fringe!

“My laughter was illuminated by the insightful and humorous dialogue of interracial married comedy couple Epstein & Hassan” - Mariah Tauger, The Los Angeles Times

“Married comedy team Epstein & Hassan inject the spirit of Richard Pryor into a show that is unlike any you’ve ever seen.” - Piper Weiss, Backstage

“From the moment they step on-stage, one cannot help but notice their chemistry. They are also both very good at engaging with the audience. I, honestly, laughed from beginning to the very end. They discuss some very serious topics, oftentimes in manners that may make some of you blush. Nonetheless, the whole show is as truthful as you may get about some of these issues, while also having a great laugh about them.” - Hyme Musings, Toronto Fringe

“New York comedy duo Epstein and Hassan are here to tell you about ‘sweet black-Jew love.’ You think that's risqué? You haven't heard anything yet. In their show, The Black and the Jew Go Buddhist, the husband and wife speak on three topics that always fall outside the bounds of ‘polite conversation:’ sex, race, and religion. It's frank stuff. But it's spoken with the truthfulness and rapport only a couple married three decades could get away with.” - Orlando Sentinel. 

“Naimah Hassan and Steve Epstein are two quirky members of the New York City comedy scene that happen to tickle our funny bones. Together in matrimony and as a comedic powerhouse for over 25 years, their love for each other is palpable within the first thirty seconds of listening to any of their broadcasts. Which leads us to their radio show, “She’s Black, He’s Jewish, They’re Married, Oy Vey!” on BreakThru Radio. The two attack topics that range from witty to taboo in a unique way, and you can hear it for free whenever you want! But don’t forget to check them out when you’re in NYC, as they frequent various stand-up clubs with their material. Read on for a short but sweet interview with a couple that has been spreading laughter across Manhattan—and into homes across the US—for as long as they have been together!” - Meredith Schneider, Serial Optimist

"Humorous and original material that hits on the funny side of our prejudices, selfishness and other personal and societal foibles. Not the conventional theater comedy you find over and over in most shows. The Black And The Jew Go Buddhist is the most honest show in this year’s festival." - James Cardinale, Ottawa News

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Opening Night: March 25th, 2023, at 7:30 p.m.

Alchemical Theatre

50 West 17th Street, 12th Floor

New York, NY 10011

(bet. Fifth and Sixth Avenues) 

Tickets are $20, plus fees. Visit OvationTix, or call (212) 242-6216. Tickets are also available at the door 30 minutes before performances. 

Direct ticketing link: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36711/production/1155526

Runtime: 75 minutes with no intermission

 http://www.theblackandthejew.com/

Press and Industry are welcome to all performances. Please RSVP for one or two press or industry comps by return email to paul@offoffpr.com.

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Contact: Paul Siebold, Off Off PR

paul@offoffpr.com / 917-626-3014