Indecent, a thought-provoking play on Jewish culture, touching on the taboo themes of censorship, immigration and anti-Semitism, will be performed at the Kreeger Theater at Arena Stage, 1101 6th St., S.W. from December 23 through December 30.
The play, written by Pulitzer Prize-winner playwright Paula Vogel, a lesbian and a D.C. native, and directed by Eric Rosen, previously won a Tony Award. Its running time is approximately one hour and 45 minutes without intermission.
The play is based on Yiddish writer Sholem Asch’s 1907 drama God of Vengeance which was considered controversial at the time for depicting a romantic affair between two women. In 1923, when the play made its debut on Broadway, its cast and producer were charged of obscenity by local authorities.
“Paula Vogel tells the behind-the-scenes story of the courageous artists who risked their careers and lives to perform a work deemed ‘indecent'”, notes the play brief. “The enchanting play filled with music and dance is a testament to the transformative power of art that is timelier than ever before.”
“Indecent is a play about another play that was so powerful that it was muffled by the powers-that-be, first by reworking its text, then by arresting its actors.” — @DCist
Now playing at @arenastage. https://t.co/QTRJkTONy0
— Sarah Eva (@sarevao) December 1, 2018
“I majored in Jewish and queer literature and theater both as an undergraduate and graduate student. So in a way, I was born to direct this play. I’ve been thinking and talking about these issues forever,” said Rosen.
The Washington Post praised the play, calling it “eloquent, moving… hauntingly Absorbing.”
Ticket prices range from $56 to $115 and can be purchased here.