Adroit Maneuvers by Michael Bertish.
This timely and thought-provoking drama portrays a very different view of the personal impacts of war in a touching study of intergenerational trauma and the painful dysfunctions that continue to haunt an entire family. The play is full of music, and discussions of art, philosophy, culture, science and politics on a world stage. As details of the story lay out the facts of the past, the audience can’t help but be reminded of the political climate of the present.
Not suitable for children.
ABOUT THE PLAY
“When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross.”
This well-known anonymous statement from the 1930s (often erroneously attributed to American novelist Sinclair Lewis) is a prophetic warning about the rise of authoritarian regimes. With the recent tragic events of Charlottesville and other flashpoints of intolerance in the news, assaults on members of the LGBTQ community and racial, religious and ethnic minorities, attacks on a free press, and the rise of voices advocating extreme nationalism throughout the civilized world, many say that our current time is reminiscent of the advent of World War II. However, the real test of our time is to avoid the trap of reactionary fear and to commit to healing change. Adroit Maneuvers offers a compassionate, hopeful perspective on bridging these divides that threaten to fracture our humanity.
The play is set in New York City in 1996 at the Dinger family home. The story revolves around an elderly grandmother, Tilde, and her adult grandson, Micky, who comes back to the city for a final visit. Micky is determined to get Tilde to open up about her experiences during the Anschluss in Vienna. Until this point in her life, Tilde has never spoken about living through the Nazi invasion and World War II. As Tilde tells her story, her memories come to life and the characters from her past enter to relive vignettes from the golden era of Vienna’s famous café society. Micky discovers Tilde’s acts of selfless courage and her friendships with world-class figures of the day: Sigmund and Martha Freud, Albert Einstein, and members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Tilde’s story is interwoven with true historical events, and hearing her story gives Micky the courage to be open for the first time about his own deep-rooted secrets.
This timely and thought-provoking drama portrays a very different view of the personal impacts of war in a touching study of intergenerational trauma and the painful dysfunctions that continue to haunt an entire family. The play is full of music, and discussions of art, philosophy, culture, science and politics on a world stage. As details of the story lay out the facts of the past, the audience can’t help but be reminded of the political climate of the present.
In October 2017, actor/director Tom Hanks said, “If you’re concerned about what’s going on today, read history and figure out what to do because it’s all right there.” Adroit Maneuvers delves into the history of intolerance and brings us to the realization that we have the power to rise above it all through devoted relationships, humility, compassion and forgiveness.
This summer, P’nai Or is taking it outside! Please join us at 6 pm on Friday, Aug 24 at Wilshire Park (NE 33rd & Skidmore) picnic area for a very joyful, very musical Kabbalat Shabbat with Bruce Morris and friends. We’ll start with a bring-your-own-picnic at 6 pm, then the service will start around 6:30. We will also offer our Community Food Program distribution prior to the service. See you there!
Friday, Nov 22, Dec 6, 6:15-7:15pm
Kabbalat Shabbat with Ilene Safyan
Join us for this special Kabbalat Shabbat accompanied by Ilene Safyan.
Please note: Programs are subject to change; please contact the office for more information: 503.246.8831 or visit the website at: www.nevehshalom.org.
Friday, Nov 22, Dec 6, 6:15-7:15pm
Kabbalat Shabbat with Ilene Safyan
Join us for this special Kabbalat Shabbat accompanied by Ilene Safyan.
Please note: Programs are subject to change; please contact the office for more information: 503.246.8831 or visit the website at: www.nevehshalom.org.
Bring your spirit and your voice for a special Kabbalat Shabbat. Accompanied by Ilene Safyan on guitar, this service is filled with beautiful music, singing and lots of participation.
SHIR! A Musical Shabbat, Friday, January 10, 6:15pm
Please join us for a musically enhanced Friday evening service with Cantor Eyal Bitton, the Koleinu choir, and the SHIR! Shabbat Musical Ensemble along with special guests.
Kol Shabbat – Voice of Shabbat
Friday, March 20, 7:15pm
Friday, April 17, 7:15pm
A lay-led, voices-only Erev Shabbat Service. All ages and stages welcome.
Questions? Please contact Naomi Leavitt: naomileavitt@gmail.com
Kol Shabbat – Voice of Shabbat
Friday, March 20, 7:15pm
Friday, April 17, 7:15pm
A lay-led, voices-only Erev Shabbat Service. All ages and stages welcome.
Questions? Please contact Naomi Leavitt: naomileavitt@gmail.com