Sonata for Four Hands

by Bridget Erin

Eliza and Jonah, two talented young pianists, grew up side by side on the piano bench. Guided by Ruth, their teacher and Jonah's mother, the two take on a difficult four-hand sonata by 19th century pianist and composer Anton Rubinstein. But when Jonah's desire to explore his heritage leads to a growing connection with the state of Israel, political differences threaten the relationships between all three...

Eliza and Jonah, two talented young pianists, grew up side by side on the piano bench. Guided by Ruth, their teacher and Jonah's mother, the two take on a difficult four-hand sonata by 19th century pianist and composer Anton Rubinstein. But when Jonah's desire to explore his heritage leads to a growing connection with the state of Israel, political differences threaten the relationships between all three characters.

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Sonata for Four Hands

Recommended by

  • Arianna Rose: Sonata for Four Hands by Bridget Erin
    “

    I read each page of Sonata for Four Hands with increasing admiration and awe. Playwright Bridget Erin expertly weaves piano practice, parent-child relations, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict into to a truly theatrical piece. While one character repeatedly warns us about the dangers of storytelling, we are shown the beauty of it. I would so love to see a production of this piece. So rich and complex- I know I’ll be thinking about this play for days.

    I read each page of Sonata for Four Hands with increasing admiration and awe. Playwright Bridget Erin expertly weaves piano practice, parent-child relations, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict into to a truly theatrical piece. While one character repeatedly warns us about the dangers of storytelling, we are shown the beauty of it. I would so love to see a production of this piece. So rich and complex- I know I’ll be thinking about this play for days.

    ”
  • Maureen McGranaghan: Sonata for Four Hands by Bridget Erin
    “

    I am moved and intrigued by this story of musical ambition, love, family, identity, and the danger of creating narrative about our lives. It has the depth and breadth of a novel and some unforgettable lines. “Speed comes with practice. But where does joy come from?”

    I am moved and intrigued by this story of musical ambition, love, family, identity, and the danger of creating narrative about our lives. It has the depth and breadth of a novel and some unforgettable lines. “Speed comes with practice. But where does joy come from?”

    ”
  • Lojo Simon: Sonata for Four Hands by Bridget Erin
    “

    Sweet, musical coming-of-age story that should appeal to theatre-goers of all ages.

    Sweet, musical coming-of-age story that should appeal to theatre-goers of all ages.

    ”

Character Information

  • Ruth
    40s-50s
    Jewish
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Eliza
    20s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Jonah
    20s
    Jewish
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Production History

  • Professional, Generate INK/Second Star Performance Collective, 2015

Awards

  • Alumni Arts Project Award
    Goddard College
    2015