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.
Poker Party with Rob La Forte
Join Rob La Forte at his office for a night of Texas Hold’em, beer, wine, snacks, and fun.
Thursday, May 30, 2019
7:00 pm
Cost: $50/person
Sign up in the MJCC lobby or at https://www.oregonjcc.org/about-us/brunch/party-boards
CNS and the Suher family announce the fourth annual Scholar in Residence program in memory of Yoni Suher (z”l), featuring Rabbi Elana Zaiman, author of Forever Letters. More at: nevehshalom.org/scholar-in-residence.
Wed, Nov 6, 6pm Dinner, 7-8:30pm Talk – Navigating the Teen Years: Opening the Door to Conversation and Connection
Fri, Nov 8, 7:15-9:00pmpm dinner and talk – Connecting In These Times of Political and Social Unrest
Sat, Nov 9, 12:15-2:00pm lunch and study – What Makes a Forever Letter Resonate
Sun, Nov 10, 9am-12pm brunch and talk – The Forever Letter Writing Experience
Complimentary meals are provided at each talk with RSVP.
RSVP at: nevehshalom.org/scholar-in-residence or contact: receptionist@nevehshalom.org, 503.246.8831. Seating is limited.
About Rabbi Elana Zaiman
Rabbi Elana Zaiman, the author of The Forever Letter is the first woman Rabbi from a family spanning six generations of Rabbis. She’s also a chaplain and travels throughout the US and Canada as a Scholar-in-Residence, speaker and workshop facilitator.
Through empowering stories, sample letters and writing tips, Rabbi Zaiman serves as our guide on a journey into Forever Letters, what they are, why write them, and how they can deepen, heal and uplift our relationships. Elana lives with her husband and son in Seattle.
“More than any time in our recent history, it’s critically important for families to come together and share their love and support of one another. Elana Zaiman’s The Forever Letter offers tools, guidelines, and examples for grandparents and parents to share their love, respect, and values with the next generation.” –Jack Canfield, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul
This event, including all meals, is underwritten by the Stan and Ethel Katz Briller Jewish Education Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation and the Yoni Suher Fund of Congregation Neveh Shalom.
**This event, including all meals, is underwritten by the Stan and Ethel Katz Briller Jewish Education Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation and the Yoni Suher Fund of Congregation Neveh Shalom.**
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.
Memoir Writing Workshop – Write Your Own Story Now!
with Dorothy Dworkin
Every life is unique, interesting and special, and everyone has a story to share. No writing experience is necessary to join fellow storytellers in writing your story. In this workshop, you will be helped to remember the events of your life and write your memories in a supportive, non-threatening environment with a professional writing coach.
Thursdays, November 7 – December 19
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
No class on November 28
Cost: $60.
Register at oregonjcc.org/memoir
Memoir Writing Workshop – Write Your Own Story Now!
with Dorothy Dworkin
Every life is unique, interesting and special, and everyone has a story to share. No writing experience is necessary to join fellow storytellers in writing your story. In this workshop, you will be helped to remember the events of your life and write your memories in a supportive, non-threatening environment with a professional writing coach.
Thursdays, November 7 – December 19
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
No class on November 28
Cost: $60.
Register at oregonjcc.org/memoir
Memoir Writing Workshop – Write Your Own Story Now!
with Dorothy Dworkin
Every life is unique, interesting and special, and everyone has a story to share. No writing experience is necessary to join fellow storytellers in writing your story. In this workshop, you will be helped to remember the events of your life and write your memories in a supportive, non-threatening environment with a professional writing coach.
Thursdays, November 7 – December 19
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
No class on November 28
Cost: $60.
Register at oregonjcc.org/memoir
Memoir Writing Workshop – Write Your Own Story Now!
with Dorothy Dworkin
Every life is unique, interesting and special, and everyone has a story to share. No writing experience is necessary to join fellow storytellers in writing your story. In this workshop, you will be helped to remember the events of your life and write your memories in a supportive, non-threatening environment with a professional writing coach.
Thursdays, November 7 – December 19
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
No class on November 28
Cost: $60.
Register at oregonjcc.org/memoir
Memoir Writing Workshop – Write Your Own Story Now!
with Dorothy Dworkin
Every life is unique, interesting and special, and everyone has a story to share. No writing experience is necessary to join fellow storytellers in writing your story. In this workshop, you will be helped to remember the events of your life and write your memories in a supportive, non-threatening environment with a professional writing coach.
Thursdays, November 7 – December 19
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
No class on November 28
Cost: $60.
Register at oregonjcc.org/memoir
Memoir Writing Workshop – Write Your Own Story Now!
with Dorothy Dworkin
Every life is unique, interesting and special, and everyone has a story to share. No writing experience is necessary to join fellow storytellers in writing your story. In this workshop, you will be helped to remember the events of your life and write your memories in a supportive, non-threatening environment with a professional writing coach.
Thursdays, November 7 – December 19
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
No class on November 28
Cost: $60.
Register at oregonjcc.org/memoir