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.
Join other young families with kids age 0-5 years at Congregation Neveh Shalom for singing, dancing, stories, indoor picnic-style lunch and Shabbat fun.
Are you located in Beaverton, Hillsboro, or Aloha? Join Rabbi Eve Posen of Congregation Neveh Shalom as we head west for some community bonding time with our families who live out that way.
Bring your favorite vegetarian or dairy potluck food, utensils, and plates. We’ll play, eat, schmooze, and get to know one another.
So we have a headcount, please RSVP to Rabbi Eve via email.
Mussar is an approach of self-awareness and personal development that is grounded in deep reflection on Jewish texts and on spiritual practices that guide us toward greater control over our thinking and behaviors. Rabbi Joshua Rose of Congregation Shaarie Torah leads the exploration of Mussar.
2:30 – 3:25 pm
Free and open to the community. In the Ballroom.
In partnership with Congregation Shaarie Torah
Learn to play this ancient game. It will give your mind a workout!
Tuesday Mornings
Dates: June 26 – July 24
10:30 am- 12:30 pm, CG400
Cost: $100. Member Cost: $85.
First class held in the Beit Midrash, then in the Cafe at the J.
Take your game to the next level. It will give your mind a workout!
Tuesday Afternoons
Dates: June 26 – July 24
1:30 – 3:30 pm, CG401
Cost: $100. Member Cost: $85.
Cafe at the J
Join us for a special tour of R.B. Kitaj, A Jew Etc., Etc. with Bruce Guenther, Adjunct Curator for Special Exhibitions.
Free with admission; free for members!
Join us for a fun, introductory Israeli dance class. All levels are welcome. Six people needed to run class. The class starts July 11 and continues every Wednesday through Sept. 12.
Cost: $100 Members + Guests.
Drop-in: $15 per class
Registration information: CG402, oregonjcc.org/registration
In the Dance Studio
Kabbalah Meditation with Rabbi David Zaslow
Beginning on Thursday, June 21 from 5-6 pm, Rabbi David Zaslow will teach an introduction class in Kabbalah Meditation. Participants will learn to understand the chakra system in Judaism known as Sefirot. Rabbi David will uncover the secrets of Jewish mysticism in simple and accessible language, and in ways that can benefit daily life. Class will take place on four Thursdays: June 21 and 28, July 12 and 19 from 5-6 pm. Class fee is $30 and pre-registration is requested by calling 541-488-7716. Available via live streaming for those unable to attend in person. The Havurah Synagogue is located at 185 N Mountain Ave., Ashland.
Bring your family or join your child at MJCC day camp for a special Shabbat. Enjoy a Shabbat set to the theme of camp this week with stories, songs and more.
Free and open to the community.