Compellingly written and sadly incredibly relevent. Goldman-Sherman's modern Abraham shares many qualities with his Biblical predecessor, including having children from two different nations. The family drama mirrors the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis (and the conflict Jewish Americans feel) with a deft hand that makes it impossible to stop reading. Beautifully structured.

Apparently this play has been around in some form for at least nine years. And yet reading it now, I find the conflicting views between Israelis and Palestinians and among American Jews are as stark as ever. Emma Goldman-Sherman bravely takes on these issues in an intelligent, thoughtful manner in this heartbreaking story. I say bravely because those with entrenched opinions on either side are likely to react strongly. All the more reason for this to be widely read and performed to spark discussion. Well done!

This contemporary re-spinning of the tale of the biblical patriarch & his descendants creates such a perfect theatrical-yet-intimate scale to consider the simultaneous interconnectedness & disparate experiences of Palestinians, Israelis, & American Jews. In our world today, this play feels like an emergency -- & also presents so many reasons to hope & work towards justice & peace & treating each other truly as family, with all the love & obligation & complexity that relationship carries.

The audio version on The Parsnip Ship podcast is well worth a listen for the wonderful performances, musical elements, & interview with the playwright.