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.
Sunday, April 7: Serve Meals at Oregon Food Bank
At Portland and Beaverton Locations
Space is limited. Pre-registration required by April 4.
Shifts are 1:00 – 3:30 pm.
Please RSVP to Lenny Steinberg at lsteinberg@oregonjcc.org with your full name, email address, preferred location and any guests that will be joining you.
Check out all of our volunteer opportunities for Good Deeds Month: HERE
Sunday, April 14: Passover Box Assembly
At the Mittleman Jewish Community Center
Event schedule (shifts):
8:00 – 9:00 am: Setup and build boxes
9:00 – 11:00 am: Pack boxes
10:30 – 11:30 am: Send off drivers to deliver boxes
RSVP by emailing jonperrin@gmail.com with the following information:
- Do you want to build boxes/help with setup, pack boxes, or deliver boxes?
- How many people will be helping, including total number of adults and children.
- If you choose to deliver, how many boxes can you take in your vehicle? (boxes are approximately a 2 ft cube)
Check out all of our opportunities to participate in Good Deeds Month: HERE
Sunday, April 28: J-Serve Project
J-SERVE Project: Houseless Community in PDX
At Agape Village
Time to be determined. J-Serve is a teen initiative supported by BBYO open to 6th – 8th graders.
Registration opens April 1.
SAVE THE DATE. Check back for more details for this project, as well as other opportunities to participate in Good Deeds Month: HERE
Sunday, April 28: Beautify Grounds of Oregon Holocaust Memorial
At Washington Park
Space is limited to 20 people per shift. Pre-registration required by April 26.
Shifts are 9:00 – 11:00 am, and 12:00 – 2:00 pm.
Register for this event here.
In partnership with the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education.
Check out all of our opportunities to participate in Good Deeds Month: HERE