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.
Young children (0-5) and their parents celebrate Shabbat with singing, movement, blessings, and storytelling. We will touch on the main highlights of the Shabbat morning service: wonder, fun, song, listening to the world, dancing, and Torah. Afterward we will enjoy an informal oneg nosh and the chance to play and schmooze. Please RSVP here by Oct. 17.
Nosh & Drash with Rabbi Eve
Thurs, Nov 14, Dec 12, 11:30am-12:30pm, MJCC
Time for relaxed study & good conversation. More: eposen@nevehshalom.org.
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.
Young Family Tot Shabbat (0-5 years)
1st and 3rd Saturdays, 10:15-11:15am
Join us in the Zidell Chapel at Congregation Neveh Shalom for Shabbat celebration for young families with children age newborn to five years old. A joyous Shabbat experience.
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.
Nosh & Drash with Rabbi Eve
Thurs, Nov 14, Dec 12, 11:30am-12:30pm, MJCC
Time for relaxed study & good conversation. More: eposen@nevehshalom.org.
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.
Young Family Tot Shabbat (0-5 years)
1st and 3rd Saturdays, 10:15-11:15am
Join us in the Zidell Chapel at Congregation Neveh Shalom for Shabbat celebration for young families with children age newborn to five years old. A joyous Shabbat experience.
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.
Guest presenter Dr. Rachel Adelman
Saturday Nov 23, 2019, at Services AND at 1:00-2:30pm
Join us for a special presentation with feminist Jewish writer and teacher, Dr. Rachel Adelman. She will offer the D’var Torah during Shabbat morning services and will be guest teaching on the topic “Hanukkah Heroines of Yore” in the afternoon. Dr. Adelman teaches Hebrew Bible in the rabbinical program at Hebrew College in Boston. Her most recent book is The Female Ruse — Women’s Deception and Divine Sanction in the Hebrew Bible.
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.
Roots/Shorashim/Judar is a unique collaboration of local Palestinians and Israelis building a model for co-existence by fostering a grassroots movement of understanding, nonviolence, and transformation. Please join us as Hanan Schlesinger, an Orthodox rabbi and passionate Zionist settler, and Palestinian Shadi Abu Awwad, the architect and coordinator of the Roots youth movement, visit us to share their personal stories and how they are working together to build a better future for their peoples through ROOTS. More at: www.friendsofroots.net. This event is part of Neveh Shalom’s Israel360 series. For a full listing of sponsors, go to https://nevehshalom.org/Israel360/.
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.
Brunch with Speakers: Doctors Charles and Leslie Elder
Sunday, November 24, 9:40-11:30am
Please join the Men’s club for their popular brunch speaker series with Doctors Charles and Leslie Elder will be discussing their new book, Picture of Health.
$5 suggested. Free for Men’s Club members.
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.
Young Family Tot Shabbat (0-5 years)
1st and 3rd Saturdays, 10:15-11:15am
Join us in the Zidell Chapel at Congregation Neveh Shalom for Shabbat celebration for young families with children age newborn to five years old. A joyous Shabbat experience.
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.