SUKKOT takes us by way of the bramble of a household’s collective distress, despondency, anguish, and agony to indicate you (and them) the way to rejoice.
Why is JOY so exhausting to have? Is it as a result of it’s too straightforward? Or, as a result of as people we really feel the necessity to make the easy issues difficult? Why does it take tragedy and ache to know? And the way or the place do you discover it, precisely?
Some individuals name this exploration, “the journey”. Playwright Matthew Leavitt reminds us in his world premiere play introduced by The 6th Act, that there’s an precise path… and surprisingly additionally a selected vacation the place you’ll be able to land smack in the course of it! With a little bit little bit of effort.
Sukkot, the Jewish autumn competition of double thanksgiving is a weeklong vacation that comes 5 days after Yom Kippur. Sukkot celebrates the gathering of the harvest (“Feast of the Ingathering: Exodus 23.16). It’s considered one of three Pilgrim festivals and recollects the times when the Israelites lived in huts (sukkot) throughout their years of wandering within the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. Most significantly, although, it’s a day when Jews are completely commanded to rejoice.
On this comedy with a twist, Patrick Sullivan (Andy Robinson) is mourning his deceased spouse. He’s lonely. He’s depressed. And his life doesn’t appear to have any that means in any respect now that she’s gone. He doesn’t know what to do. He has no goal. Or so he tells his spouse’s Rabbi who helps him put together for the disclosing of her tombstone.
After tolerating his cellphone name confessional for a very good very long time, the Rabbi needs him the very best after which reminds him that the date of the disclosing is on Sukkot. Possibly that might be one thing to rejoice.
The humorous factor, nonetheless, is that Sullivan is Irish and doesn’t know a factor about Jewish holidays. He and his partner weren’t notably dedicated to both of their natal religions. And none of their youngsters have a lot relationship to their mom’s beginning tradition. However he’s going to present this newly acquired inspiration his all. And the youngsters are becoming a member of in whether or not they prefer it or not.
Leavitt’s play is not difficult. However all the things in regards to the emotional lives of all concerned is a mountainous heap of resistance, resentments, despairs, and hurts. Typically feeling a bit overwritten there may be nonetheless a sort of immediacy with the dialog and attitudes of the daddy and the (now very grownup) youngsters that creates a familiarity – a kinship with the viewers. I personally felt like, “Yup. I do know precisely. Been right here. Nonetheless right here. I’ve even mentioned that. Like yesterday, to my brother.”
The stuttered confessions that finally turn out to be streams of honesty between every member of the household are so emotionally poignant. However within the additionally humorous method households work together, typically, ache layered on high of ache brings enlightenment. Enlightenment causes togetherness. And togetherness bears completely, completely imperfect JOY.
SUKKOT is a sublimely constructed play that’s endearing as a lot as its characters are annoying or laughable. A tearful, stunning, ugly, indignant, advanced weave of powerful love and rivalry. And a definitive primer on the way to rejoice.
RECOMMENDED
SUKKOT
Written by MATTHEW LEAVITT
Directed by JOEL ZWICK
Starring: Andy Robinson, Jonathan Slavin, Liza Seneca and Natalie Lander,
Runs: Saturday, January 13 at 8 pm – Sunday, February 4 at 7 pm
Performs: Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm; Sundays at 3pm & 7pm
On the Skylight Theatre, 1816 1/2 N. Vermont Ave. in Los Feliz (Los Angeles, CA)
Tickets: $35.00
The Design Crew for SUKKOT options Set Design by Mark Mendelson; Sound Design by Chris Moscatiello. The Manufacturing Stage Supervisor is Wealthy Andrew.
For tickets – go to https://the6thact.ludus.com/
Picture by Jackson Davis: Andy Robinson and Natalie Lander star in THE SIXTH ACT’s world premiere manufacturing of “SUKKOT” by Matthew Leavitt, directed by Joel Zwick and now enjoying on the Skylight Theatre in Los Feliz.
