←Recommendations of Go Down, Moses

This is a riveting play with unexpected turns and central relationships that present a kaleidoscope of perspectives on the connection between Jews and African-Americans, both in the 1980s, when the play is set, and today. The play captures a moment of great transition in the ongoing relationship between two important American communities.

A revealing look at the timeless struggle for humanity and to stand up against injustice. Well done.

I cannot overstate the relevance of this nuanced and involving examination of political tensions at a college in the 1980s. We see how the political concerns of the professors, the veterans who have seen some of the ugliest sides of humanity, are reflected by students, who are just starting to figure things out. Yet the play is never didactic. We are forced to continually question our positions along with the characters. Some moments are truly heart-breaking. Wonderful work!

Go Down, Moses by Dana Leslie Goldstein is a political work that asks us to really examine the hard facts of taking a stand and holding true to your beliefs. The play may be set in 1985, but it is as relevant to us now more than ever as we come to difficult questions about our ideals and tolerance for free speech. This play makes us examine where we are going and to really think about what strange bedfellows we may get when we protest/support something controversial. It's a play where you'll be debating long after reading or seeing.

Although this play was set in the 80s it does a wonderful job illuminating the struggles that we are still facing in society today. It was incredibly impactful to see a fight for justice and equality being taken up by a younger generation of students that echoed the fight the older generation of professors faced decades earlier. Before this play I did not fully realize the relationship between the black and jewish communities and created a powerful statement of what happens when presented with a person or issue that threatens that relationship, in a play with rich and complex characters.

I saw a staged reading of this play at Clamour Theatre Company's Clay & Water 2020 playwright's retreat. Though set in the 80s, contemporary audiences will find much that resonates with current affairs, as well as some interesting contrasts between then and now. It takes on complex issues without being pendantic. Easy to produce and solid roles for college-aged actors, it's an excellent choice for a university production.