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.
“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.
Pianist David Rothman in Recital
Piano virtuoso David Rothman tackles the masterworks of composers Ludwig van Beethoven and Frederic Chopin. The four-part concert series that began in September returns to the J’s December schedule for the final two performances.
David Rothman was born in Toronto, Canada, in 1962. At age 6, he began to study piano, and he was accepted into the Menuhin School in England at age 10. At 17, he was accepted into the Curtis Institute where he studied with Mieczyslaw Horszowski.
Thursdays, Dec. 13 + 20
Cost: $10. Member Cost: $5.
Register: oregonjcc.org/pianoconcert
Pianist David Rothman in Recital
Piano virtuoso David Rothman tackles the masterworks of composers Ludwig van Beethoven and Frederic Chopin. The four-part concert series that began in September returns to the J’s December schedule for the final two performances.
David Rothman was born in Toronto, Canada, in 1962. At age 6, he began to study piano, and he was accepted into the Menuhin School in England at age 10. At 17, he was accepted into the Curtis Institute where he studied with Mieczyslaw Horszowski.
Thursdays, Dec. 13 + 20
Cost: $10. Member Cost: $5.
Register: oregonjcc.org/pianoconcert
Monthly Mitzvah Project – January
Each month, the MJCC and PJA communities will collect items for the monthly mitzvah. These projects reflect the Jewish commitment to Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), providing opportunities to give back to our community.
Please drop off items in the blue bin in the MJCC Lobby.
January – New and gently used socks for Janus Youth Programs
Join us for the Portland premiere of this 15-minute documentary short by Jodi Darby. The film follows two Jewish Portland artists, drummer/writer/environmentalist Lisa Schonberg and musician/writer/Jewish educator Alicia Jo Rabins, as they prepare for Lisa’s adult bat mitzvah. The word chavruta refers to the traditional partner-style study of Jewish texts; over the course of one year, the two women delve into a grassroots, feminist, distinctly Portland course of study.
Free, but suggested donation of $5 at the door.
7:00 pm at the MJCC.
Piano Concert with David Rothman
Join us for an evening with concert pianist, David Rothman, as he performs works of classical music featuring Beethoven and Schumann.
Tuesday, June 25
7:00 pm
Cost: $10. Member: $5.
Register: oregonjcc.org/pianoconcert
Each month the MJCC and PJA communities will collect items for the monthly mitzvah. Drop off items in the blue bin in the MJCC lobby. Check the display for how you can participate and donate to these worthy causes.
This project reflects the Jewish commitment to Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), providing opportunities to give back to our community.
Please drop off items in the blue bin in the MJCC Lobby.
January
New Socks for teens and families living on the streets or in shelters
• Portland Homeless Family Solutions
• Janus Youth Programs
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.
Les Miz’s Jewish Composer with Cantor Eyal Bitton, Thursday, January 30, 7:00pm
In this fascinating and entertaining presentation featuring live musical performances and in-depth analysis, Cantor Eyal Bitton explores the musical genius of Claude-Michel Schönberg, composer of Miss Saigon and Les Misérables.