Thursday, September 01, 2005
The Disputation: A Thoughtful, Discomforting Evening
Last night I went to see "The Disputation" at Theater J, starring the great Theodore Bikel. As the title suggests, the play is a long, thoughtful argument, raising uncomfortable issues about faith, belief, disbelief, tolerance and respect. The last scene, by which time I was wrung out, hints at reconciliation between Christians and Jews. I did enjoy the show, and recommend it to those who want 2.5 hours of religious discussion (and who doesn't? There's a 15 minute intermission for us restless heathens.)
The well-paced play is based on a historical event--the arguments between Rabbi Moses ben Nachman, called Nachmonides, and a Jewish-born convert to Christianity, in the court of James of Aragon. The Pope has ordered James to convert the Jews, or at least to stop giving shelter to those Jews fleeing France. Actually, James is the most appealing character on stage. He just wants to hear a good argument, confident that he will go on philandering as before, but believing, as a desperate Christian, that he will be forgiven before he dies, and escape hell. He was the most human and believable person in the play. His wife was a close second.
Some people thought that the play was old--it's not, it's a recent work. Some people thought Bikel had died. No, he's old, actually much older than the play, but still has a strong stage presence. He must be younger than his character, or how could he do live drama through October 2, and perform twice on Sundays? I was so pleased to be able to see him on stage--he apparently wanted to perform at Theater J, and contacted Ari Roth, the artistic director. That's a real tribute to Ari and those at the Theater.
As to the play itself, the subject matter was tough for me. I've never been able to understand anyone else's religion, and sometimes not much of my own, and am more interested in how religious beliefs motivate us to help the poor, the sick, the needy, or to seek peace and pursue it, than to argue about who's "right" and who's "wrong." But 'way back when, right and wrong were very important. The arguments in the play centered around whether or not the messiah has come, and whether or not the messiah is/was/will be divine. As a lawyer, I enjoyed the arguments, and "my guy" Bikel seemed to have the better of them, even though the Christian intimidated him into silence at one point. (Power speaks volumes.) Speaking truth to power is commended in the Bible, but keeping silent does a lot more to create peace on earth. After a while I started to think that all of these arguments must upset God a bit, or bore him, and I hoped for a Woody Allen moment, when God would descend and say, "You're both wrong. Here's what's really happening."
I was glad when the play came to a close, with a touch of reconciliation between the two adversaries.
The "after plays" should be wonderful, as long as they are well moderated and people are respectful. (There should be rules and umpires, like a sports match, during religious or theatrical discussions. They had them during The Disputation. We should have them for Peace Cafes). Discussions are scheduled for the next four Sundays, at about 5:00 PM after the Sunday matinees.
PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN-PREVIEWS are September 1 & 6 at 7:30 pm
There are SPECIAL $25 WEEKEND PREVIEW PRICE: Sept 3 at 8 pm, Sept 4 at 3:00 pm & 7:30 pm.
The well-paced play is based on a historical event--the arguments between Rabbi Moses ben Nachman, called Nachmonides, and a Jewish-born convert to Christianity, in the court of James of Aragon. The Pope has ordered James to convert the Jews, or at least to stop giving shelter to those Jews fleeing France. Actually, James is the most appealing character on stage. He just wants to hear a good argument, confident that he will go on philandering as before, but believing, as a desperate Christian, that he will be forgiven before he dies, and escape hell. He was the most human and believable person in the play. His wife was a close second.
Some people thought that the play was old--it's not, it's a recent work. Some people thought Bikel had died. No, he's old, actually much older than the play, but still has a strong stage presence. He must be younger than his character, or how could he do live drama through October 2, and perform twice on Sundays? I was so pleased to be able to see him on stage--he apparently wanted to perform at Theater J, and contacted Ari Roth, the artistic director. That's a real tribute to Ari and those at the Theater.
As to the play itself, the subject matter was tough for me. I've never been able to understand anyone else's religion, and sometimes not much of my own, and am more interested in how religious beliefs motivate us to help the poor, the sick, the needy, or to seek peace and pursue it, than to argue about who's "right" and who's "wrong." But 'way back when, right and wrong were very important. The arguments in the play centered around whether or not the messiah has come, and whether or not the messiah is/was/will be divine. As a lawyer, I enjoyed the arguments, and "my guy" Bikel seemed to have the better of them, even though the Christian intimidated him into silence at one point. (Power speaks volumes.) Speaking truth to power is commended in the Bible, but keeping silent does a lot more to create peace on earth. After a while I started to think that all of these arguments must upset God a bit, or bore him, and I hoped for a Woody Allen moment, when God would descend and say, "You're both wrong. Here's what's really happening."
I was glad when the play came to a close, with a touch of reconciliation between the two adversaries.
The "after plays" should be wonderful, as long as they are well moderated and people are respectful. (There should be rules and umpires, like a sports match, during religious or theatrical discussions. They had them during The Disputation. We should have them for Peace Cafes). Discussions are scheduled for the next four Sundays, at about 5:00 PM after the Sunday matinees.
PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN-PREVIEWS are September 1 & 6 at 7:30 pm
There are SPECIAL $25 WEEKEND PREVIEW PRICE: Sept 3 at 8 pm, Sept 4 at 3:00 pm & 7:30 pm.
Comments:
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Hi Wendy- We went to see the show on Thursday eve- I looked around for you...thought you might be there...I see that you went the night before!
It was wonderful to see Theodore Bikel...I was fortunate to have seen him many years ago in "Fiddler" and feel grateful for having been able to see him again - this time in "The Disputation." I also found the play to be somewhat uncomfortable. Perhaps because like yourself I enjoy a good debate -however to me the other side just didn't seem to be represented by an advocate who was up to the task. Not that I know much about Christian theology (I don't really know but so much about the theology of my own faith) but Pablo Christiani just didn't seem like much of a scholar.
We were fortunate that subsequent to the performance Thursday evening there was an "after play"- Ari Roth interviewed Hyam Maccoby's (the arthur of the play) widow. It was an interesting conversation- Mrs. Maccoby provided some insight as to what motivated Maccoby and her role as his collaborator.
I highly recommend the play and what I am sure will be stimulating "after plays."
Well if that wasn't enough religion for the time being I'm off to see "The Passion Play" this weekend!
Cheryl ( the other Leibovitz)
It was wonderful to see Theodore Bikel...I was fortunate to have seen him many years ago in "Fiddler" and feel grateful for having been able to see him again - this time in "The Disputation." I also found the play to be somewhat uncomfortable. Perhaps because like yourself I enjoy a good debate -however to me the other side just didn't seem to be represented by an advocate who was up to the task. Not that I know much about Christian theology (I don't really know but so much about the theology of my own faith) but Pablo Christiani just didn't seem like much of a scholar.
We were fortunate that subsequent to the performance Thursday evening there was an "after play"- Ari Roth interviewed Hyam Maccoby's (the arthur of the play) widow. It was an interesting conversation- Mrs. Maccoby provided some insight as to what motivated Maccoby and her role as his collaborator.
I highly recommend the play and what I am sure will be stimulating "after plays."
Well if that wasn't enough religion for the time being I'm off to see "The Passion Play" this weekend!
Cheryl ( the other Leibovitz)
# posted by 
: 12:03 AM
: 12:03 AM
Thanks for your thoughts, Cheryl! As usual, you say what I think, except better. The Christian "representative" (what a job), was a spirtual man, for whom Christianity, and the powerful Christian community and message, were an emotional life raft after his parents were murdered. The Rabbi was making intellectual arguments, which I enjoyed and which were appropriate for a diputation, but poor Brother Pablo was in the wrong room.
Now we just need Annie Leibovitz, the photographer, to complete our collection of Leibow's on this blog.
I received a message from someone much more knowledgeable about theater: Gary Meeker in Silver Spring, whom I spotted with his partner Paul at the opening preview. He e-mails:
If I was giving DISPUTATION a grade based on that first preview performance,
it would be 3 1/2 out of four stars.
The work did not grab me until forty-five minutes [I looked at my watch] into
act one.
Found it a treat to see the old pro Bikel alongside Gero and Long.
Their scenes together strong & solid and as good as the best you would find
at Shakespeare Theatre. Nassri and Chanel & Blauvelt offered good support. Had
trouble with Lescault & Jacobson. Especially in beginning. Lescault grew on me
in 2nd act.
Always enjoy debate scripts.....BECKET, INHERIT THE WIND...& this one very
good.
Only thing I found missing was a certain classical gravitas that would have
been more to my liking.
Good beginning for the season for Theater J and I would recommend to other
potential theatergoers.
And I can be quoted on that if you care to use it on your blog.
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Now we just need Annie Leibovitz, the photographer, to complete our collection of Leibow's on this blog.
I received a message from someone much more knowledgeable about theater: Gary Meeker in Silver Spring, whom I spotted with his partner Paul at the opening preview. He e-mails:
If I was giving DISPUTATION a grade based on that first preview performance,
it would be 3 1/2 out of four stars.
The work did not grab me until forty-five minutes [I looked at my watch] into
act one.
Found it a treat to see the old pro Bikel alongside Gero and Long.
Their scenes together strong & solid and as good as the best you would find
at Shakespeare Theatre. Nassri and Chanel & Blauvelt offered good support. Had
trouble with Lescault & Jacobson. Especially in beginning. Lescault grew on me
in 2nd act.
Always enjoy debate scripts.....BECKET, INHERIT THE WIND...& this one very
good.
Only thing I found missing was a certain classical gravitas that would have
been more to my liking.
Good beginning for the season for Theater J and I would recommend to other
potential theatergoers.
And I can be quoted on that if you care to use it on your blog.
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