The Yiddish Vinkl presents a discussion and readings from Got fun Nekome (God of Vengeance), by Yiddish playwright Sholem Asch, produced in the early 1900s, and Indecent, a play inspired by Asch’s play, written by Paula Vogel in 2017, which will be produced by the Guthrie Theater, from Feb. 17-March 24.
Got fun Nekome was originally performed in 1907 and subsequently toured throughout Europe, to significant critical acclaim as well as controversy. The 1923 Broadway performance was closed down with the intent to put all associated with the play under arrest. The criminal charge was obscenity and corruption of public morals; this story inspired the Paula Vogel play.
Special guest Jo Holcomb, senior dramaturg and librarian from the Guthrie, will speak to the history and challenge of giving life to this play. Holcomb has worked on more than 75 Guthrie productions.
Other presenters include Lev Mailer, who will read selections and take us inside God of Vengeance, and Markel Karlen, who will read a Forverts article from March 7, 1923, about the arrest. Rita Lusky will provide piano accompaniment.
Light refreshments follow the program 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 11 at the Sabes JCC, 4330 S. Cedar Lake Rd., St. Louis Park. Free to paid-up members. $5 for guests. Presentations will be in English with some Yiddish. For information, visit: minneapolisyiddishvinkl.com.
