Sh’ma at The Modern

Sh’ma: A Story of Survival

Thursday, January 15, 2026 6:00 PM CST
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

Sh’ma: A Story of Survival, a narrative dance film made in Fort Worth, Texas, tells the story of Director Suki John’s mother and her family during the Holocaust. Using the languages of dance, music, and cinema, Sh’ma features a cast of 15 extraordinary performers — including Dance Theatre of Harlem and Texas Ballet Theatre professionals – four cameras operated by dance cinematographers, and a haunting original score.  The design intentionally takes the iconography and costumes out of the past to create a ‘timeless’ look, giving the story immediacy and increased impact. Sh’ma is the 2025 winner of the Chita Rivera Award for Outstanding Choreography in a Feature Film; it is a requiem, a tribute, a cautionary tale that has been called “deeply beautiful.” The film is appropriate for viewers over 12 years old.

Fort Worth Magazine Article: Dr. Suki John’s dance film brings her mother’s Holocaust story to life while educating new audiences worldwide.

Suki John, PhD

she/her/hers

Professor, School for Classical & Contemporary Dance

Texas Christian University Box 297910

Fort Worth, TX 76129

Winner: Outstanding Choreography in a Feature Film/ Chita Rivera Awards Sh’ma Wins Chita Award

Director: The Sh’ma Project: Move Against Hate https://www.theshmaproject.com/

Editor of Arts Content: The Holocaust: Remembrance, Respect, Resilience 

Author: Contemporary Dance in Cuba: Técnica Cubana as Revolutionary Movement https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/contemporary-dance-in-cuba/