Friends seeking fresh perspectives, or worse, solutions to the middle—east conflict will find ‘Birthright’ at the Newman Mills theatre disappointing, but the three acts, 2006, 2016 and 2026, pass easily as Jonathan Spectors’ dialogue is snarky and witty, and while occasionally falling into some tired old chestnuts (two Jews/three opinions) will keep you amused for the over 3-hour runtime. Essentially a Jewish millennial version of ‘The Big Chill’ without the good music, friends formed on an Israel visit seek to cohere, while engaging with the increasingly divisive events of their times, the growing sour politics from Bush to Trump, culminating in October 7th, with the bitter toxic divide over Zionism. Perhaps the best aspect of this play is the willingness to confront, albeit clumsily, what is perhaps an even harder problem – how we may remain friends or enjoy the long bonds that brought us happiness when we are bitterly divided in opinion. Apart from the play, you might enjoy a pre-theatre diner at Frena, a middle eastern restaurant on the edge of Hell’s Kitchen. I recommend the Golan Heights merlot unreservedly.
Friends seeking fresh perspectives, or worse, solutions to the middle—east conflict will find ‘Birthright’ at the Newman Mills theatre disappointing, but the three acts, 2006, 2016 and 2026, pass easily as Jonathan Spectors’ dialogue is snarky and witty, and while occasionally falling into some tired old chestnuts (two Jews/three opinions) will keep you amused for the over 3-hour runtime. Essentially a Jewish millennial version of ‘The Big Chill’ without the good music, friends formed on an Israel visit seek to cohere, while engaging with the increasingly divisive events of their times, the growing sour politics from Bush to Trump, culminating in October 7th, with the bitter toxic divide over Zionism. Perhaps the best aspect of this play is the willingness to confront, albeit clumsily, what is perhaps an even harder problem – how we may remain friends or enjoy the long bonds that brought us happiness when we are bitterly divided in opinion. Apart from the play, you might enjoy a pre-theatre diner at Frena, a middle eastern restaurant on the edge of Hell’s Kitchen. I recommend the Golan Heights merlot unreservedly.
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