The mix of verbatim – all of Saul’s lines are pulled directly from his real-life writings, transcribed by Sherman’s father – and original compositions in the script is thrilling. Twentieth-century antisemitism reverberates from past to present, not just in the form of Jew-hating, but echoed in the struggles of Black Americans in Sherman’s native Washington, DC, and of modern day Palestinians. Sherman reckons with his grandfather’s familial pride, while opposing his parents’ wishes by travelling to the Centre for Jewish Nonviolence in Masafer Yatta. By highlighting their shared plight, Kaddish delivers an urgent message of solidarity that is refreshing in today’s divided community.
Having already played in Edinburgh, DC, New York and now London, Kaddish continues to Prague later this month. The show remains rooted in beliefs, while maintaining an international appeal. Like the sanctuary it encourages us to become for others, Kaddish imagines a just, safe, reflective world, and invites us inside with artistic and thematic brilliance.
By Maia Kahn
Kaddish (How to be a Sanctuary) runs until Saturday 23 May. £19.50, £17.50 concs. Old Red Lion Pub & Playhouse, London, WC1V 6LS. weareoldred.co.uk
