(Jewish Group) British play about antisemitism takes a personal, poignant approach
So close. So far apart. A chasm threatens to open up between two lovers of different backgrounds in “One Jewish Boy,” making its U.S. premiere in a polished Theater J production.
Stephen Laughton’s meticulously crafted play explores how fear and divergent cultural perspectives strain a British couple’s relationship after one partner suffers a vicious antisemitic attack. “You think, don’t you, that I’ll just never get it?” the woman, Alex, says reproachfully at one point, accusing her Jewish boyfriend, Jesse, of doubting her empathy and understanding.
The intense and initially joyous love affair between Alex (Alanna Saunders), who is of mixed race, and Jesse (Danny Gavigan) begins when they are in their 20s. Laughton charts the relationship over nearly two decades, making masterful use of flashbacks and flashforwards to mete out information — including about the attack on Jesse — and amp up the story’s poignancy.
Under the direction of Johanna Gruenhut, the actors do justice to that poignancy, including in vivid scenes of flirtation, romance and affectionate banter. Saunders in particular is marvelous, acing the brash liveliness of Alex, who during one burst of exuberance is seen draped in purple tinsel. Gavigan captures Jesse’s vulnerability, and both performers deftly calibrate the changes in their characters as the time frames shift. (Danielle Preston’s telling costumes help.)
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Of course, the irony? A comment from a user:
4h
The reason we're hearing so much about antisemiticism is because the nation of Israel, (not Jews), is becoming a belligerent dictatorship. It's crucial to separate the faith from the government, which must be judged as a secular institution, regardless of its flag or disengenuous claims that to be against Iraeli policy is to be antisemitic.
And that, boys and girls, IS anti-Semitic!