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.
Family Flicks – An American Tail
Come to the MJCC for an afternoon of family fun! We will be playing a family classic, An American Tail (Rated G), on the big screen. Popcorn and snacks will be provided.
Cost: $10 per family
Tickets: oregonjcc.org/familyflicks
Film Club: Fig Tree
Sunday, December 8, 4:00-7:00pm
Join the Feldstein Library Film Club for a special screening of the film Fig Tree.
About the film: During the Ethiopian civil war, a Jewish teenager hatches a scheme to keep her Christian boyfriend from being drafted, as she and her family prepare to flee the country and go to Israel.
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.
Due to travel restrictions advised to contain the Coronavirus, this event has been cancelled. We hope to reschedule this event at a later date. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Antisemitism on College Campuses Workshop
Wed, March 18, 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Teens, parents, and Jewish community members are increasingly concerned about the anti-Israel sentiment on college campuses across the U.S. that often spills over into Anti-Semitic speech and policies. Stand With Us brings experts from the field to explain and discuss:
— Antisemitism vs. Legitimate Criticism of Israel
— The evolving face of the BDS movement
— Know your rights: how to respond and who can help
Program begins at 6pm, dinner included, ending time 8:30pm
Cost: $10 per individual or $15 per family
RSVP: tinyurl.com/CNSCollegeCampus20
Kol Shabbat – Voice of Shabbat
Friday, March 20, 7:15pm
Friday, April 17, 7:15pm
A lay-led, voices-only Erev Shabbat Service. All ages and stages welcome.
Questions? Please contact Naomi Leavitt: naomileavitt@gmail.com
Join Rabbi Posen for a ZOOM Second Night Seder. Please sign up to let us know you’ll join us virtually for a fun and interactive Seder. We’ll send you the link for the Haggadah to download and you’ll be all set to celebrate in community. Unfortunately due to our current situation no Kosher for Passover food will be provided through Century Catering. Click here to RSVP and join the community.
Shomrei Teva Pesach Hike
Sunday, April 12, 10:00am
Join us for a beautiful, easy hike at Tualatin Hills Nature Park. We’ll stroll amidst the forests, open areas, creeks, and trails, making several stops for reflections on Jewish teachings, nature, and Pesach. Come to Neveh Shalom at 10:00am to carpool, meeting by the front gate OR Meet us at the park at 10:30am
All ages welcome. No pets. Bring a Pesach treat to share.
RSVP: yaakovme@gmail.com
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.
Film Club: A Fortunate Man
Sunday, April 12, 4:00pm
Watch and discuss interesting films with Congregation Neveh Shalom members and other. This film is about a gifted engineer who flees his austere roots to pursue wealth and success among Copenhagen’s elite, but the pride propelling him threatens to be his ruin.
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.
Kol Shabbat – Voice of Shabbat
Friday, March 20, 7:15pm
Friday, April 17, 7:15pm
A lay-led, voices-only Erev Shabbat Service. All ages and stages welcome.
Questions? Please contact Naomi Leavitt: naomileavitt@gmail.com