While it may be relevant to today’s headlines, The Holy Rosenbergs says little topically and skimps on innovation artistically. These shortcomings are glaring, especially when compared to a gem like Nick Cassenbaum’s Revenge: After the Levoyah, the powerful satire that inspired spirited debate about activism, hypocrisy and familial duty in Jewish Britain. Or Bad Jews by Joshua Harmon, an American dramedy that illustrated those same themes through richly layered characters and whip-smart dialogue. These pieces already feel timeless while The Holy Rosenbergs is dated.
There is merit to drawing connections between the Israel/Palestine conflict in 2009 and now. But if The Holy Rosenbergs is going to be a mainstream representation of Jewish people today – a portrayal that paints Jews as narrow-minded, neurotic infighters who find it impossible to come to solutions within the community – that is a real problem. The public needs something sweeter and more substantial than prop macaroons if we’re aiming to unite and face the future together.
By Maia Kahn
Photos by Manuel Harlan
The Holy Rosenbergs runs until Saturday 2 May. 7.30pm, 3pm (Sat & Sun only). £35-£49.50, £35 concs. Menier Chocolate Factory, London, SE1 1TE. menierchocolatefactory.com
