You’ve heard of the situation comedy. But how about a situation drama?
Enter “Pangs of the Messiah,” a heated situational drama centered around the dynamics of a family in real crisis.
» The Highlights
It’s a powerful evening of relevant theater over at Theater J, with Motti Lerner’s painfully acute rendering of a West Bank family caught in the middle of the continuing Israeli and Palestinian conflict — in the year 2012. Lending a personal, domestic perspective to the conflict while challenging political and religious rhetoric, “Pangs” moves hard and fast through the possibility of a Peace Accord between two zealous governments embroiled in bitter opposition. The family of Rabbi Schmuel Berger (Michael Tolaydo) faces the impending dilemma of uprooting their lives from the land they believe is rightfully theirs.
» The Lowlights
Though Lerner’s depiction of a family caught in horrific turmoil is both humbling and humane, this is a fictional story that covers the Middle East with the same sense of urgency as the evening news — and with the same valid presumption that its audience has a strong base of knowledge on the ever-shifting area. A challenging, complex topic is boiled down to one very dense package of information, with names and factions tossed off of the tongue with guileless impudence. You don’t have to be a scholar to understand Lerner’s harrowing drama, but you may want to browse the program notes.
» The Cast
Sinai Peter’s elegant production captures the struggle of a peaceful nation caught somewhere between the faithful and the furious, and a terrific ensemble of nine actors keeps the tension mounting until the play’s apocalyptic conclusion. Tolaydo and Laura Giannarelli are the paternal and maternal faces of a generation of settlers struggling for a peaceful resolution, and Becky Peters and Lindsay Haynes offer captivating portrayals of strong women fighting for their beliefs.
“Pangs” also proffers another fascinating performance from Alexander Strain as the only real innocent, a rabbi’s son who is more interested in building his house than in trying to make sense of the political battle around him. The brilliance in Strain’s sensitive Nadav is his consistent attention to the distractions of the everyday — fussing over his dog or a piece of lint at the lining of his shirt. It’s here we see the most devastating consequences of war, and Strain’s suffering transcends a personal interpretation to something unique and wholly universal.
» Munch on This
“Pangs of the Messiah” moves quickly from an esoteric pioneer of change to radical political catalyst in the blink of an eye, never waiting for the audience to catch on to its bold assertion of a Middle East that could sell itself to the highest bidder. A deeply moving and effective tool for analysis, Lerner’s smart script reminds us of the price of peace, and that freedom is never really free.
‘Pangs of the Messiah’
» Venue: Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW, Washington
» Tickets: $15 to $45
» Info: 800-494-8497, theaterj.org
