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New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

“Shiva Baby” is Emma Seligman’s comedy following Danielle (Rachel Sennott) as she navigates a Jewish funeral service with her parents while running into her sugar daddy and her ex-girlfriend. This film is based on Emma Seligman’s senior thesis short film of the same name which she made while at NYU. (Staff Illustration by Susan Behrends Valenzuela)

‘Shiva Baby’ embraces the horror of communal gatherings

Rising comedian Rachel Sennott faces her romantic past and present at a hilariously stressful shiva.
Sebastian Zufelt, Staff Writer April 7, 2021

For most people, it has been a while since they’ve had a large gathering with family members. It’s easy to romanticize the idea of classic family gatherings during the holiday...

Rachel Sennott, an NYU Tisch alumna, is an actress known for her appearance in High Maintenance, Shiva Baby and Hostess. (Photo Courtesy of Jenny Wong)

Tisch Alumna Talks ‘Shiva Baby,’ Goal-Setting and Twitter

Rachel Sennott discusses her time at Tisch and her upcoming projects.
Julie Goldberg, Books and Theater Editor October 14, 2019

“I never made any of the, like, cool comedy groups,” says Rachel Sennott, looking back on her first year at NYU Tisch. “I auditioned a bunch of times, never got in. But I...

Emma Seligman and Rachel Sennott talking on the set of "Shiva Baby."

Tisch Alumna Talks Sugar Babies, Shivas and SXSW

Ryan Mikel, Arts Editor March 19, 2018
Emma Seligman's senior thesis "Shiva Baby" premiered at SXSW last week. WSN sat down with the student filmmaker to discuss shivas, sugar babies and the acclaimed Texas festival.
Jon Michael Hill and Blake DeLong in “Pass Over.”

What You Missed at SXSW

Ryan Mikel, Arts Editor March 19, 2018
Politics surrounding race, class and gender were at the center of this year’s South by Southwest Conference & Festivals in Austin, Texas.