Indecent—Artists Rep/Profile Theatre—SW Portland

    “The Family That [Plays] Together…”

    This provocative play, by Paula Vogel, is directed by Josh Hecht, choreographed by Adin Walker and produced by Artists Rep and Profile Theatre, in association with Portland State University at their site at Lincoln Hall, 1620 SW Park Ave. (parking is a challenge in this area, so plan your time accordingly).  It plays through March 8^th.  For more information, go to their site at www.artistsrep.org

     This is the epic story of an acting troupe from the early 1900’s through the 50’s.  But it is universal in many ways, as far as the struggles of artists/writer/theatre to be accepted and recognized on their own merits.  It is also the struggle of a heritage, in this case Jews, to be accepted and recognized as a part of human existence.  And so it is with other professions and Faiths, just to be allowed to practice their calling, to be appreciated and to appreciate “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

    The play begins much like Thorton Wilder’s, Our Town, with a Stage Manager/Narrator/Host (Michael Mendelson), introducing the troupe/ensemble (Miriam Schwartz, Joshua J. Weinstein, Jamie M. Rea, Gavin Hoffman, Linda Alper, and David Meyers), who will play a variety of roles over the years.  He also introduces us to three fine musicians, Andrew Alikhanov (Clarinet), Nelly Friedman (Violin) and Moriz Godowsky (Accordion), who will provide musical accompaniment throughout the show.

    The story opens with this group of individuals in Poland in the early 1900’s, desiring to put on a play, with the able assistance, and insistence, of an eager, young playwright, who has written a rather daring and explosive piece of theatre.  It is about a Jewish family, in order to make ends meet, decide to open a brothel in their basement defying, as some see it, the scriptures, and making themselves look bad in the eyes of the public.  It also includes scenes of a lesbian love affair, as well, a big taboo at the time, when even the mention of a woman’s breast, in polite society, was unfashionable.

But, despite this, they do go forward with great acclaim in Eastern Europe.  Then they migrate to America (land of opportunity), where reality raises its ugly head.  The USA may have been the “melting pot” for many beliefs but there are rules to be followed and laws to be obeyed.  Not only were people of the Jewish faith to be scrutinized, but lesbianism and prostitution were against the law (or just swept under the carpet).

 

    Not only that, but theatre and actors were akin to pond-scum.  On a sign, in many barrooms in the West, hung on their doors, proclaimed, “No Dogs or Actors Allowed!”  Such was the fate in store for them.  And so, it goes downhill from there.  A schism exists from within, too, when they oblige the force of the courts, to cut the play because of censorship concerns.    The old adage, “the play’s the thing,” is diluted and is becoming a distant memory.  The American Dream is soiled, when freedom of speech is hampered.  “And so it goes,” down this slippery slope, through the ages….

    To discover their individual outcomes, you’ll just have to see it for yourselves.  But this is a grand story, with some of the finest actors in the Portland area contributing their talents to some important issues, still current today.  And the three troubadours are an important asset to the success of the whole.  Hecht and Walker have created, with this cast/crew, a masterpiece!  And, to add to this marvel, is Peter Ksander, who’s set is a work of art in itself.

    I highly recommend this play.  If you do see it, please tell them Dennis sent you.

--DJS