In Every Generation
Passover, also called Pesach, is a major Jewish holiday that celebrates the Israelites' Exodus from slavery in Egypt, which occurs on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan, the first month of Aviv, or spring. During Passover, individuals visit their synagogue, recount blessings or prayers, and listen to the Torah readings. In addition, a ceremonious meal centered around the Seder Plate includes gefilte fish (poached fish dumplings), matzo ball soup, brisket or roast chicken, and the potato kugel with red wine. This year Passover will be celebrated on Passover 2022 will begin on the evening of Friday, April 15, and ends on Saturday, April 23.
For four millennia, the Lev-Katz family celebrated Passover, with questions on why Jewish families continue to observe the history of exiling Egypt. Victory Gardens Theater presents the national New Play Network Rolling World Premiere of 'In Every Generation.' It is a passionate story about struggling with historical race and religious beliefs while understanding how modern conflicts within their family seem to be fading them away from their traditions. As they cross-examine if trauma is generational, then must it define us? Three different generations witness their lives contrastingly and try to resolve various issues. Finally, they come together out of love, sharing stories of their anxieties and stress living in a new world that doesn't accept them or their beliefs. And can any generation from the Passover answer the question, Will we ever be free?
In Every Generation, winner of the 2019 National Jewish Playwriting Contest, was written by Ali Viterbi and directed by Devon de Mayo. After casting her two sisters in "Wizard of Oz" sequels, Viterbi plays have been featured at Geffen Playhouse, The Kennedy Center/National New Play Network, La Jolla Playhouse, San Diego Repertory Theatre. In addition, she has become a successful playwright with a world premiere at Victory Gardens Theater.
For over 50 years and 30 years with my wife Brenda, I have watched The Ten Commandments, which tells the story of God commanding Moses to tell the Israelites to mark a lamb's blood above their doors so that the Angel of Death will pass over them. The blood symbolizes their faith in God and protects against the death of the firstborn. Likewise, the Passover sacrifice recalls the time when the LORD "passed over" the houses of the Israelites in Egypt.
In Every Generation vividly opens your mind to the historical biblical Diaspora, remembrance, struggles, and liberation through beautiful songs, blessings, and prayers. Devon de Mayo directs the play with an array some funny moments where the family shares about previous Passover gatherings and intense moments where the sisters, Dev (Sarah Lo) and Yael (Esther Fishbein), continuously fight throughout the play about family and acceptance. The play centers around the Levi-Katz family over matzah ball soup and (vegan) brisket; the mother of Dev and Yael, Valeria (Eli Katz), prepares the table for a Passover Seder. Valeria's Jewish faith, tarnished by the infidelity of her Rabbi husband, wants to get the day over but continues the Festival of Unleavened Bread to appease her parents. "Chag Sameach!"
In this four-part play, her father, played by Paul Dillion(Davide), is in a wheelchair with a speech impediment. The mother, Paola (Carmen Roman), shares her hatred for those who held her people in bondage. Roman's rendition of Paloa was exceptional, and her robust and lively stories of love, trauma, and triumph felt natural and realistic. The best performance came during part two when we were to relive the past of Paola and Davide first seder as newlyweds in America. Their chemistry on stage, sharing their love and fears, was genuinely touching. Davide, known as a hero in the family, shares with Paloa a secret. He is traumatized by his horrific past and fears Paola will not love him if he shares the truth about his hero status. He pushes away when she insists that married people share everything, but when he reveals his secrets, their love strengthens, as she understands the need to survive—leading to the third part where Dev and Yael are grown. Yael, a Yale graduate, has children and has stepped away from her Jewish faith; fearing retribution, she seeks to assimilate into American culture. Dev is a female Rabbi following in the footsteps of her adopted father. The parents have passed, and their mother is now in a wheelchair and can't speak. But, with an intelligent device, her children can translate her grunts and moans.
The conclusion has the group dancing and singing Mi Chomocha, The Song of the Sea, also known as the Song of Moses. Then, as each cast member leaves the stage, we witness the next Jewesses (In Every Generation) begin their adult lives, wondering if they will continue the family tradition of celebrating the Passover.
Shifting between past and present, the storyline of In Every Generation discusses topics regarding divorce, homosexuality, adoption, sibling rivalry, and expectations of continuing the Jewish traditions. I love historical stories and In Every Generation fits the bill; however, it jumps in and out of its primary focus, confusing its audience and losing its compelling and significant message. Victory also needs to inform its audience that some of the conversations will be in different languages, translated into English by viewing a screen above the stage. Unfortunately, in several cases, they provided no translation. Overall, I enjoy In Every Generation, but I fear that some will genuinely miss the message if they are not familiar with this historical family tradition.
Let's Play Recommends In Every Generation at Victory Gardens Theater.
Victory Gardens Theatre
In Every Generation
By Ali Viterbi
Directed by Devon de Mayo
April 2 – May 1, 2022
