Repertoire 25–26 · Contemporary drama
The Jewish Question
One Shabbat dinner becomes an argument about what identity demands.
| Cast | 3 performers |
|---|---|
| Running time | 90 minutes |
| Staging | Moderate |
| Genre | Contemporary drama |
| Rights | Upstage Left Press |
3 performers
Synopsis
After a massive peace march, two Jewish journalists spend the evening in Grace’s Venice kitchen for Shabbat. Over dinner, vodka, family history, politics, Israel and Palestine, pacifism, aging, and desire turn one evening into an argument about what Jewish identity demands and whom we owe care.
Staging & Technical
Grace’s kitchen in Venice, California, on a Friday in spring 2004. A kitchen table and Shabbat meal are the central practical elements. Projections or a cyclorama may support political montage, sunset, and historical images. Music, sound, candlelight, and the Shabbat ritual are important to the atmosphere.
Licensing & Formats
| Full production licence | Universities · community theatres · independent producers | Request |
| Staged reading / festivalPopular | Festivals · workshops · development series | Request |
| Classroom & excerpt use | Scene packets · monologues · study guides | Educators |
| Perusal / review copy | Directors and literary managers | Request |
Characters
The company behind The Jewish Question
Grace77. Rebecca's paternal aunt, a Kindertransport survivor and lifelong peace activist. Warm, funny, and formidable.
Rebecca30s. Professional photojournalist, passionate pacifist, smart, goofy, and politically engaged.
Ash30s. Political journalist with strong convictions about Israeli sovereignty, Jewish safety, and U.S. intervention.