New Jerusalem
Written by David Ives
Directed by Stuart Wenger
Ubu's Other Shoe Artistic Direction by Michael Siebrass
Show Times
February 2 – February 3, 2018
Friday @ 7 pm
Saturday @ 2 pm & 7 pm
About
New Jerusalem
The Interrogation of Baruch de Spinoza at Talmud Torah Congregation:
Amsterdam, July 27, 1656
Baruch de Spinoza is a young merchant and the heir apparent of Saul Mortera, the chief Rabbi of Amsterdam. But Amsterdam’s Sephardic Jews have made a fatal arrangement with the city: They have agreed to police their own community for unorthodox beliefs. When the city accuses Spinoza of atheism, Mortera must summon Baruch to the synagogue to defend himself. Spinoza’s best friend, his sister and the woman he loves are all drawn into the controversy, a historical event that shook up not only the entire Jewish community of Amsterdam, but changed Spinoza’s and Mortera’s lives—and all of Western thought—irrevocably. No written record survives of what was said at Temple Talmud Torah on July 27, 1656. In this eloquent and masterful drama, David Ives attempts to open the temple doors and let us listen in on a dispute whose philosophical and political echoes still reverberate today.
Click HERE to read a review of the play in the Washington Post.
What is a Staged Reading?
A staged reading is a form of theatre without sets or full costumes and props. The actors read from scripts, sometimes using music stands. They may be seated, stand in fixed positions, or incorporate minimal stage movement.
SLO REP’s staged reading series is named after the infamous trilogy of plays written by Alfred Jarry (Ubu Roi) that were banned from the stage after riots erupted on opening night. Ubu’s Other Shoe pays homage to the spirit of Jarry and to all artists who strive to explore the fringes of their art. This exciting series exists to offer actors, directors and audience members an opportunity to experience incredible plays that do not necessarily fit into our regular main stage season. Thank you for taking this journey with us.
Reviews
Cast
Sponsors
Gina Kirk
Ubu's Other Shoe Season Sponsor
Presented through special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.
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