Indecent
by Paula Vogel
directed by Kelly O’Donnell
The explosive and deeply moving story of the controversial 1923 Broadway debut of Jewish playwright Sholem Asch’s God of Vengeance—a play about a forbidden lesbian romance that enchanted and outraged audiences. It actively pays tribute to the Yiddish speaking communities, immigrant families, Jews, theater makers, and the women, specifically the queer women, who are erased from historical narratives.
Produced by Playhouse on Park in West Hartford, Connecticut
Connecticut Critics Circle Awards for Best Director and Best Ensemble
Cast
Noa Graham - The Elder: Vera, Sarah, Mrs. Peretz, Immigrant, Esther Stockton, Madje
Dan Krackhardt - The Ingenue: Avram, Sholem Asch, Morris Carnovsky, Eugene O’Neill, John Rosen
Helen Laser - The Ingenue: Chana, Madje, Rifkele, Elsa, Immigrant, Ruth/Reina, Virginia McFadden, Bagelman Sister
Michelle Lemon - Accordion, Nelly Friedman, Harry Weinberger, Officer Baile
Kirsten Peacock - The Middle: Halina, Manke, Immigrant, Freida, Dorothee Nelson, Dr. Hornig, Bagelman Sister
Bart Shatto - The Elder: Otto, Yekel, Peretz, Rudolph Schildkraut, Immigrant, Bartender, Judge McIntyre, Asch
Alexander Sovronsky - Music Director, Violin, Moritz Godowsky, Rabbi Silverman
Jack Theiling - Clarinet, Meyer Balsam, Nachman
Dan Zimberg - Lemml
Sydney Weiser and Ben McLaughlin - Swings
Creative Team
Director: Kelly O’Donnell
Playwright: Paula Vogel
Producer: Playhouse on Park
Music Director: Alexander Sovronsky
Choreographer: Katie Stevinson-Nollet
Production Stage Manager: Emily Todt
Assistant Stage Manager: Vintage Kovel
Scenic Designer: Johann Fitzpatrick
Sound Designer: Jeffrey Salerno
Costume Design: Izzy Fields
Properties Designer: Erin Adele Sagnelli
Lighting Design: Joe Beumer
Dramaturg: Liv Fassanella
Production Manager: David Addis
Production photos by Meredith Longo
Director Program Note for Indecent
Though Indecent is inspired by Sholem Asch’s God of Vengeance, a play written in 1907, it couldn’t be more relevant today. Anti-Semitism, homophobia, the struggles of immigrants, and censorship are seen all over our headlines and these topics are sadly still a part of our collective consciousness. What does it say about our culture today when after 100 years we are still faced with these issues? Sometimes it can feel like nothing will ever change. But then along comes a play like Indecent, a story that shines a glimmer of hope into a world of darkness through the transformative power of theatre. Indecent is a celebration of the arts and, according to Paula Vogel, the playwright, it’s a “love letter to the theatre.” This play is a reminder that Art matters, that Love means something, and that uncomfortable topics need to be explored on stage and not silenced. Early in the play Asch asks the question “How do we as artists question our sins in front of a greater audience?” This question is central to the play and to our purpose as artists. Without that question, we have no art. The best way to combat censorship is to make art about things that people want to censor. Otherwise, we’ll live in a world where it feels like nothing is at stake.
Another line in the play that resonates with me is “The play belongs to the people who labor in it.” Our entire company of actors, designers, and staff have labored on this play, bringing our unique personal experiences and backgrounds into a beautiful web of intersectional collaboration. We are delighted to share our play with you.