Last Tree in Jerusalem / A Page of Talmud

See it if you might find value in hearing a troupe tell stories about the long siege of Jerusalem (ca 70 CE), with minor attempts at theatricalization

Don't see it if you were hoping for 2 short plays.

Also I salute the shoestring theater troupes of NYC: They’re a big part of why theater going in this city is so rich. I especially admire companies that bring to the city the work of internationally recognized playwrights that are rarely produced here. But I can’t say I found this effort successful. Within a particular ethnic or religious culture, recited stories have an important function. But recited stories, even when they are deeply interesting, are not automatically drama, even when recited by a group of people & fitted out with gesture, costume, movement & music. Here these elements only underscored how much the evening was not theater—though perhaps of great cultural value for the targeted audience. Not being of that audience, I can only try to evaluate the evening as theater.... Read more Read less

See it if you care about the topic or Jewish themes

Don't see it if you expect a large polished production

See it if You’re familiar with reading the Talmud

Don't see it if You’re Unfamiliar with the Bible or Bored with biblical tails

See it if You enjoy very clever and original story telling,

Don't see it if You want a linear play.

See it if You enjoy Talmudic stories told in original ways

Don't see it if You aren’t interested in biblical or Talmudic stories or minimalist productions

Also I appreciated the attempt to bring to life stories from the Talmud. I also appreciate the small theater groups that abound here in New York. They offer unusual productions but not all of them reward one with a great production. I encourage people to visit them to keep them working on these ideas.... Read more Read less

See it if into creative storytelling of ancient Jewish tales

Don't see it if not in a cerebral mood

Also This is very Jewish - not just for its subject, but for its pursuit of entertainment through brainy materials. There are 2 overlapping stories, one focused on the Roman siege of Jerusalem, the other on the fight over a Talmudic conundrum, both told creatively with props and much humor. This has the lovely charm of good community theater, which in some aspect it is.

This is more storytelling than dramatic theater, and the shenanigans inserted throughout are key to keeping this interesting. The actors made me laugh often. The evening was ultimately too long; towards the end, the audience, and even the actors were confused as to what rabbi is being discussed. I wished they tagged the rabbis with, say, large "Hello, my name is...", which would fit just fine with the light approach taken to deal with these weighty subjects.... Read more Read less

See it if An interesting, if not whole successful, attempt to “bring to life” some of the most memorable pages of Talmud

Don't see it if Errs in the side of illustrative story telling

See it if you feel that history can teach us much about the present, you enjoy plays that bring sacred text to life, you admire experimental theater.

Don't see it if you want a fully-realized, linear narrative, you have no interest or context for stories from the Talmud.

Also I have known these stories for over 40 years yet this retelling of these familiar stories brought their contemporary relevance home to me in a powerful way. I think both plays need more editing but I thought the cast did a great job with the plays as they are today.... Read more Read less

See it if Ok. This is a tricky one. Obviously if you’re a devout Jew you “might” get more out of this than I did (BTW, I am Jewish)

Don't see it if If you have zero interested in the Talmud.

Also Very confusing, not helped by the performing space (terrible acoustics) Difficult to follow. Also, quite possibly, one of the most depressing evenings I’ve spent in a long time. Half of the audience walked out at intermission.... Read more Read less

See it if This play relates Talmudic texts in a theatrical setting. The acting is good and the performance is engaging

Don't see it if You don.t want heavy material. The themes are intense

See it if You have studied Talmud & are familiar with the stories. You want to learn about how mistakes made in the Bible are still relevant today.

Don't see it if You don't want to sit through retelling same story over and over. You want to sit in a comfortable seat and have leg room.

Also these were the most uncomfortable seats i have ever sat in at a theatre Coupled with no leg room i found it virtually impossible to focus.... Read more Read less

See it if Jewish history or history in general. If you like stories with profound lessons.

Don't see it if You don't like shows with minimal props or don't like history.

See it if You appreciate an innovative modern presentation of a centuries-old Talmudic story of public shaming and revenge that is as relevant today.

Don't see it if If the word "Talmud" turns you off

See it if you enjoy gripping, emotionally resonant storytelling and strong performances that stick with you long after the show ends.

Don't see it if you prefer mindless entertainment :)

See it if you like well-acted and directed drama inspired by Jewish texts and tradition.

Don't see it if You're expecting a more conventional theater experience.