In the conflicted, chaotic world of present-day religious differences, Pamela Weiler Grayson has written Observant. Three generations of women, each connecting with their Jewish identities, come to grips with their different emotions during a terroristic attack at a local synagogue. This isn’t Israel, as one might think–it’s the quiet suburb of Scarsdale, New York.
Amy (Melissa Wolff) is Jewish, but Christmas is her most fantastic time of the year. There’s no menorah or decorations in the apartment to celebrate Jewish holidays. Instead, she decorated the home with a Christmas tree, and carols filled the air.
She is also planning to celebrate her 60th birthday, having invited her younger daughter Zoe (Arielle Flax) and her boyfriend Farrokh (Fady Demian) home for the weekend. Zoe describes Farrokh as a “cultural Muslim,” admitting they have the same attitudes towards religion as many people; it is either big or small or non-existent. Arriving with their infant son is her older daughter Sarah (Arielle Beth Klein), an observant Jew, and her deeply religious husband Josh (Yair Ben-Dor). They value Jewish tradition, and you can immediately feel the friction in the room.
Tension automatically erupts between the sisters, the mother, and the daughters, coupled with Sarah’s quick militant behavior, which makes everyone feel uncomfortable in her presence. Sarah spews vitriol toward her mom about the lack of Jewish tradition in the house. Her husband takes a softer approach but is still outspoken with his views.
Zoe defends Farrokh, telling Sarah, “Please don’t do this in front of Farrokh,” while he acts graciously about her tone. The audience laughs when he says, “Please don’t feel the need to act differently in front of me,” to which Zoe replies, “They need to.” Sarah’s lack of tolerance for those who differ from her and her husband is alarming for one who claims to be religious.
Multiple loud sirens and the news that a shooting has occurred at a local synagogue interrupt the evening. Amy is in despair as her mother, Nancy (Rebecca Hoodwin), attends the service with friends. In a state of panic, Amy receives the news that her mother has been shot, quickly rushes to the hospital, and brings her to the apartment. Despite canceling the birthday celebration, the conversation about religion persists without interruption.
Sarah tries to lighten the tone, asking all to join in prayer. She wants them all to take part in Shabbat, to bring “a little bit of joy and light into a really shitty situation.” But does prayer overshadow the impossibility of understanding each other’s views on religion? Can we tolerate this multicultural society when struggling with hatred fueled by the global climate?
Observant will make you rethink your views on religious differences and racism, which hasn’t changed for eons. There is an ongoing struggle, no matter what.
Observant, written by Pamela Weiler Grayson and directed by Shellen Lubin. Starring Melissa Wolff, Arielle Flax, Fady Demian, Arielle Beth Klein, Yair Ben-Dor, and Rebecca Hoodwin. Press by Andrea Alton/Alton PR. Several actors appear courtesy of the Actors’ Equity Association.
The show runs 1 hour and 40 minutes without interruption through September 28 at The Chain Theatre.
If you enjoyed this article, check out our reviews of other local events and venues, such as Job at the Helen Hayes Theater, Inspired by True Events, A Hundred Circling Camps, Oh Mary!, The Journals of Adam & Eve: The World’s First Love Story, The Edge of Nature at La Mama, Empire the Musical at New World Stages, If These Wigs Could Talk by Panti Bliss at the Irish Arts Center and Elevator Repair Service Ulysses.
