Doña Gracia Inspires New Musical Exploring Jewish Female Leadership in 16th Century

Nearly 500 years after her influential role in Jewish history, Doña Gracia Nasi is the focus of a new musical theater production in Israel. The play, titled "Doña | דונה," stars Leila Malcos and is produced by the Shazar Center, performed at the Jewish Theater in Israel. It intertwines Ladino music, historical narrative, and themes of female leadership, identity, and power.

Born Beatriz de Luna to a family of conversos, Doña Gracia became a wealthy businesswoman with extensive cross-border connections during the 16th century. Amid the Inquisition, she leveraged her status and wealth to aid persecuted Jews and conversos, supporting Jewish communities and advocating for her people at a time when women had minimal influence in power structures.

The production goes beyond a biographical retelling, exploring the costs and possibilities of her exceptional position in a male-dominated world. It portrays her navigation through commerce, family, religion, and politics as threats to European Jewish communities intensified. Alongside Malcos, the cast includes Meital Ner, Israel Treistman, Yehonatan Rozen, Yoav Frenkel, and Shir Mishel. Written, directed, and musically led by Erez Biton, the play features original music, Ladino songs, and texts from five female poets.

By combining music with Gracia’s story, the play aims to present her not only as a philanthropist or businesswoman but as a woman confronting a dangerous political and religious reality, striving to influence it from within. It also addresses broader issues of belonging, persecution, and the search for safety.