Prayer For The French Republic

When you learn that a play stretches nearly three hours, you can't help but hope it possesses alluring qualities that will command your attention from start to finish. The Prayer for the French Republic is that kind of play. It's a compelling narrative that brings to life one family's tragic journey living in Paris during a time when identifying as a Jew could bring about attacks and even death. In 1944, Jews in France experienced relentless persecution and deportation during the Holocaust. A three-act play spanning five generations from 1945 to 2017 explores the narratives of two families: the Salomons and the Benhamous. The story highlights the struggles faced by one family as they anxiously await news of a missing relative while the other battles with feelings of insecurity and questions about the ubiquitous hatred directed towards them.

Exquisitely narrated by Lawrence Grimm, who also plays Patrick Salomon, the Benhamou family tries to come to grips with a violent attack against their son Daniel, who was assaulted on the street for wearing a kippah. His mother has repeatedly asked him not to wear the kippah, fearing it draws too much attention; ask her daughter, Elodie, who suffers from depression, to speak with Daniel about being more cautious, but she believes he shouldn't have to hide that he is of Jewish descent. The father, Charles, is experiencing traumatic fear that something might happen and wants to leave. However, his wife, Marcelle, doesn't want to leave her life in France and worries she will never be able to find employment equal to her psychiatrist position, and her brother Patrick, who has concealed his Jewish heritage to live without persecution, vehemently opposed by Marcelle's leaving France. During the chaos, they overlook the presence of their American cousin, Molly, who observes everything with curiosity and concern. She has developed her unique perspective on the discussions and differing viewpoints of the family dilemma, entrenched in tradition and fear.

A prevailing story unfolds through the eyes of Marcelle and Patrick's great-grandparents, Adolphe and Irma Salomon. Haunted by grief, they imagine their children alive, a cruel contrast to the haunting void left by the Nazis, who robbed them of a serene life. Their son Lucien finally returns, accompanied by his young son, Pierre. However, Lucien is burdened by unspoken horrors, which have silenced his soul and cloaked him with the memory of those he lost. The "Prayer for the French Republic" reverberates with deep meanings of historical struggles and the resilience and hope of a race victimized by unmitigated hate. It's stirring dialogues and powerful narratives of survival, each story echoing the enduring spirit of a nation that has faced adversity with unwavering determination. Director Jeremy Wechsler brought together a remarkably talented ensemble to navigate three hours of deeply affecting, captivating, and touching dialogue. The cast—featuring the skilled performances of Lawrence Grimm, who also narrated the play, Rom Barkhorder, Nathan Becker, Rae Gray, Torrey Hanson, Henson Keys, Kathy Scambiatterra, Max Stewart, Alex Weisman, Maya Lou Hlava, and one of my favorite actors, Janet Ulrich Brooks—powerfully illuminates the struggles and heart-wrenching experiences faced by Jewish families during this harrowing period, which culminated in the unspeakable tragedy of the Holocaust. Their compelling chemistry, featuring their challenges and profound hopelessness, was enthralling and surreal, making for a deeply moving theatrical experience.

There were numerous references and subtle jabs directed towards both Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen, reflecting the deep political divisions within the country and unfavorable sentiments against the U.S. President during the 2017 election cycle — which ironically, is the same person currently holding the office. Playwright Joshua Harmon, known for works like Bad Jews and Significant Other, explores themes of loss, grief, faith, and trepidation in his multigenerational drama Prayer for the French Republic. The drama brilliantly raises interpersonal tensions and addresses anti-Semitic hatred, making the audience sympathetic to the plight of the Jews and making you question why we hate.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Northlight Theatre

In co-production with Theater WIT

PRAYER FOR THE FRENCH REPUBLIC

By Joshua Harmon

Directed by Jeremy Wechsler

April 10 - May 11, 2025

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