Oud Player on the Tel

Theater at the 14th Street Y, NYC, June 2014

Produced as part of the Jewish Plays Project

Set in the foothills of Jerusalem in 1947, the play follows a family of Jewish refugees from Europe, after the destruction of World War II.  Amir, the unofficial leader of the small Palestinian village of Bayt Jiz, welcomes Melke, the patriarch of the arriving Jewish family, and they become fast friends.  Amir invites Melke into his home, teaches him the intricacies of growing olives and assures him that things will not be the same for him and his family here, as they were up in the northern lands.

The world is changing, however.  Amir's nephew Mahmud discovers Herb Gordon, a famous American new used car dealer, and takes his name and assures that he will bring motorcars to the ancient land.  Unbeknownst to him, Melke's son Moritz, recently arrived from Switzerland, has discovered the same thing -- and has, as well, changed his name to Herb Gordon.  When they meet, they both declare that the land is not big enough for two Herb Gordons.

Moritz falls in love with Mahmud's sister.  The two Herb Gordons argue.  The cold winds of history blow, but Amir -- a Sufi mystic -- assures that history can be changed, or at the very least ignored.  Melke and his friendship grows stronger and deeper.  

But the winds of history cannot be staid.

Cast

Rajesh Bose (Amir)

Matthew Boston (Melke)

Alex Perabo (Moritz)

Ryan Shams (Mahmud)

Millie Torchetti (Fatima)

Rebecka Ray (Shoshana)

Abbi Hawk (Rashida)

Joya Powell (Choreography and Dancer)

Matthieu Neito (Dancer)

Directed by David Winitsky

“Coexistence with Oud,” article in the NY Jewish Week