By H. Leivick
Translated by Joseph C. Landis
Adapted by David Fishelson
At Chicago Jewish Theatre
Directed by David Zak
Through February 29, 2004
“I am a secret not of darkness, but of light.” The Golem
Synopsis: The Golem by H. Leivick was written 1921 in the shadow of WWI and in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution. It retells the legend of the medieval rabbi in Prague who builds a clay monster to defend the Jewish ghetto from gentiles with paranoid fantasies of ritual murder. The scapegoating and lunatic anti-Semitism that would dominate this period gave rise to numerous ghoulish incarnations well known to silent film fanciers. Key to an understanding of The Golem, as distinct from other such creations as, say, Frankenstein, is that a man of God in defiance of Holy law made this monster. The play's provocative theme, then, raises the question of the tension between religious transgression and survival. How far can one go to save oneself and one's people while remaining fully human in the eyes of God?
Set in 17th-century Prague in a world where mystical religious figures and otherworldly realms intersect and collide, The Golem explores the violence, guilt and persecution with which Jews have struggled with for centuries.
Although a creature of brute strength, The Golem struggles to fulfill his role as the messiah of the Jews. He fights his ‘humanness’ and struggles to do his duty and obey the Rabbi.
Director David Zak demonstrates his keen ability to direct drama as well as musicals with The Golem. The show flows smoothly and isn’t difficult to follow even for those of us not familiar with Yiddish traditions. At less than two hours with an intermission, The Golem doesn’t wear us out. With a spooky set reminiscent of a Halloween venue, we hear Hebrew chants as we witness the creation of The Golem from clay. I quickly was hooked and wasn’t disappointed with the legend.
As usual with Chicago Jewish Theatre, the Equity production showcased the talents of Andrew R. Lines as The Golem, shaved head an all. Lines was effective as the monster while Gene Cordon as Taddeus, the Catholic priest, personified the anti-Semitism of Prague. Ben Martini as the crazed Tanhum buzzed around the stage like a cat that drank spiked cream. John Luzar as Jacob and Elliott Leffler as Isaac added fine work to the show. But The Golem belongs to the marvelous intense performance of Mark Douglas-Jones as The Maharal. He casts the right spell on this show with his eerie mannerism and his intense focus.
Take a trip to 5123 N. Clark Street and catch The Golem so you can appreciate Chicago storefront theatre at its best. Chicago Jewish Theatre through the leadership of Brian LeTraunik and Elayne Le Traunik is a gem that gleams brightly. They continue to offer outstanding shows. Their work deserves a full house each performance.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Chicago Stage Talk Radio Show
January 30, 2004