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Nathan The Wise
By Paul D’Andrea
After G.E. Lessing
Translation by Gisela D’Andrea & Paul D’Andrea
Directed by Rachel Silverman
At The Theatre Building Chicago
1225 W. Belmont Ave
Chicago, IL
Call 312-902-1500, tickets $33 - $40
Wednesdays at 2:30 PM & 8 PM
Thursday, Fridays & Saturdays at 8 PM
Through December 31, 2005
Nathan The Wise is a compelling morality tale
The new Equity theatre company, Chicago Festival of the Arts, launched an ambitious history tale, Nathan The Wise, at the Theatre Building Chicago with eight Equity actors led by veterans David Darlow (Nathan), David Perkovich (Heraklios) and Kevin McKillip (Curd von Staffen). Their show has the look of 12th Century Jerusalem with gold and earthy curtains and arabesque style backdrops (set designed by Linda Buchanan) and costumed by Debbie Baer complete with richly colorful dress with Muslim turbans, Catholic clergy robes and Middle Eastern period d ress.
Set in Jerusalem in 1193 during the Third Crusade when Saladin, the Muslim leader defeated the Christians and made Jerusalem on open city tolerant of Jews, Muslims and Christians ruled by adherents to law. Based on 18th Century German Enlightenment playwright G. E. Lessing’s original work that calls for respect of all cultures and translated (and adapted) by Gisela and Paul D’Andrea, Nathan The Wise is a vastly entertaining, well acted, nicely paced history play full of symbolism that preaches tolerance, courage of convictions, family values and respect. The clever plot nicely intertwines religious toleration, commonality of all men without becoming preachy.
David Darlow commands the stage as the humble, low-keyed, yet charismatic Nathan The Wise. Michael Fosberg, as Saladin, exudes ethics and honorable adheres to the law as the Muslim conqueror and ruler of Jerusalem. While David Perkovich is the conniving amoral Catholic prelate, Heraklios and Kevin McKillip is the wound-too-tight Knight Templar von Stauffen, torn between dedication to serving the Catholic Church and finding his first love. Scott Aiello is the delicious (and funny) Muslim thief turned treasurer and aid to Saladin.
Nathan The Wise has a cute love interests to supplement the religious-political maneuvering that is amazingly fair to the three religions with the Jews and Muslims being presented far more ethical than Christianity. Lessing was a brave soul to offer such an assessment in 18th Century Christian Germany.
The lessons of “Love you neighbor” and respect all cultures comes over loud and clear through a plausible, well plotted story. In the 21st Century world of religious and ethnic hatred, it is refreshing to witness theatre approaching the utopian ideal in such a polished, professional production. We can expect more worthy shows from Rachel Silverman and her Chicago Festival of the Arts. They’re off to an excellent start with Nathan The Wise. See this show.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre In Chicago Radio Show (coming soon)
This show is eligible for a C.S.T. Equity Theatre Award
December 22, 2005
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