JTA – On a recent summer weekend in the Berkshires, the last thing I thought I would find myself experiencing was a play titled “The Zionists.” The name alone seems to provoke audiences, almost daring them to arrive with their guards up. Centered on the painful family rifts and communal divisions following the events of October 7, 2023, this production explores heated discussions among its Jewish characters regarding Israel, Zionism, antisemitism, and Jewish identity, effectively intertwining the personal with the political. Despite initial reservations, this play, currently showcased at the Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, following its debut at Miami New Drama earlier this year, transforms these divisive conversations into a form of catharsis.
The Power of Discomfort in Art
Playwright S. Asher Gelman shared his conviction that society desperately needs to embrace discomfort and navigate through it together. “This is ultimately what the world needs right now,” he emphasized. “It needs us to lean into discomfort and to work through our discomfort with each other.” Set against the backdrop of a Caribbean vacation, “The Zionists” (subtitled “A Family Storm”) chronicles the affluent Rosenberg family as they confront ideological divides. The matriarch is a prominent philanthropist and Jewish communal leader, while her children grapple with their varied relationships to Israel. From familial ties to the complexities of identity, the drama captures the volatile dynamics at play, leaving no character unscathed—especially considering the approaching hurricane season.
Since the tumultuous events of October 7, many artists and cultural institutions have found themselves in a challenging position, pressured to take sides or avoid contentious topics altogether. “The Zionists” exists as a risky undertaking; its very title can alienate audiences before the curtain even rises. This hesitance reveals why few contemporary writers have dared to navigate this challenging discourse. Notably, two short stories in The New Yorker have touched upon similar splits within families regarding Israel, highlighting a shift in the narrative landscape.
Exploring Multiple Truths
The play, alongside others, like Jonathan Spector’s “Birthright,” illustrates an emerging willingness to examine nuanced perspectives regarding Israel and its complex narratives. Gelman, who also penned the Off-Broadway hit “Afterglow,” drew inspiration from his personal feelings of alienation following the October incidents. He was disheartened to see friends and acquaintances engaging in what he perceived as justification for violence, leading him to believe that a theatrical performance could better embody the complexity of these issues.
Gelman stresses that a play can give voice to various truths and powerful arguments while avoiding oversimplification. He expressed his goal of prompting a thoughtful dialogue rather than offering propaganda or condemnation. “Art is not supposed to be comfortable,” he states. “It’s about exploring the deep discomfort of the characters onstage and deriving catharsis from that experience.”
A Mirror to Modern Jewish Life
The narrative scrutinizes a unique demographic within American Jewish society, presenting characters who are materially privileged yet maintain an underlying feeling of vulnerability. This dichotomy manifests as an acute sensitivity to antisemitism and a desire for empathy, sometimes at the expense of individual identity. Gelman’s own background informs this exploration; he is the son of prominent Jewish philanthropists, which enriches his portrayal of the tensions faced by families divided over Israel’s politics.
Gelman seeks to create characters whose beliefs resonate even with those who may disagree with them. This deliberate approach resulted in some intense reactions during performances, with audience members responding vocally to challenging scenes. Such a spirited environment underscores the reality that many families today—Jewish or otherwise—struggle with political polarization, often leaving relationships strained or fractured.
Ultimately, Gelman’s work serves as a launching point for discussions around contentious issues, aiming for a universal understanding through specific narratives. By highlighting these distinct but relatable struggles, the play resonates with a wider audience, encouraging them to confront their own discomforts and fostering a necessary dialogue in our increasingly fragmented society.