Reviewed by Judy Richter
Growing up is never easy,
especially when one is the son of devout Hasidic Jews and when one is an
enormously talented artist. That's the essence of "My Name is Asher Lev," written by Aaron
Posner and based
on a novel by Chaim Potok. Presented by Marin Theatre Company, this engrossing play takes the
title character, played by Peter Stadlen, from the age of 6, when he loved to draw, to
young manhood and artistic acclaim.
Asher's
parents, portrayed by Danielle Levin and Patrick McNulty, try to steer him away from art and toward a more
religious life, a life like that led by his father, who traveles extensively to
do the good work of the rebbe, the leader of their sect. But Asher can't deny
his artistic impulses, which lead him to see things in terms of light, shape
and angles. His discovery of Christian works and nudes is ever more
disconcerting to his parents, but Asher is irresistibly drawn to them. As he
becomes more successful as an artist, his impulses finally lead him to choose
between following them or hurting his parents, whom he loves.
Directed
by Hal Brooks,
this one-act play runs slightly more than 80 minutes, yet it covers a wide
range of emotions and events. Stadlen remains onstage throughout the show,
while his colleagues get some breaks to transform themselves into other
characters, aided by Callie Floor's costumes. Set designer Melpomene Katakalos keeps things simple with the
action taking place beneath a wooden star of David with only a table and three
chairs as set pieces. The lighting is by York Kennedy, the music and sound by Chris
Houston.
This
well-acted, well-directed play has proved so popular in its first performances
that it has been extended for a week. It deserves to be, giving more people a
chance to see it, enjoy it and think about it.
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