Dani Horowitz’s interrelated plays present Jewish stories which examine the cost of humiliation and explore what it means to be a member of a community, to be a leader, to have moral courage, and to resist. More…
From the show:
Riven by internal strife, ecological disaster, and interference from foreign powers, can society survive? Set nearly two millennia ago but still resonant today, acclaimed Israeli playwright Dani Horowitz’s interrelated plays Last Tree in Jerusalem (world premiere translation) and A Page of Talmud tell the seminal Talmudic stories “Kamtza and Bar Kamtza” and “The Oven of Achnai.” These timely Jewish stories examine the cost of humiliation and explore what it means to be a member of a community, to be a leader, to have moral courage, and to resist.
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 ... 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 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 the... 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... 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 theatr... 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.