My Name is Asher Lev

“You won’t succeed on Broadway if you don’t have any Jews”goes the song in the musical Spamalot. This month the same applies in Sydney.

The harbour city has more Jewish flavours than a buffet at a Bar Mitzvah  - hosting Fiddler on the Roof, Bad Jews, Disgraced and My Name is Asher Lev.

The (latter) play based on Chaim Potok’s novel, takes us into the world of Hasidic Judaism.  

They are the ultra religious Jews who dress in dark suits, hats and wigs (for women) and strictly adhere to traditions forged in Eastern Europe during the 18^thcentury.

Asher Lev is a talented young painter, but his desire to create work with everything from nudes to Jesus Christ being crucified, is an affront to his family.

Naama Potok, the daughter of Chaim, explained to the opening night audience that, despite the narrowness of the subject matter, the play has been popular amongst other minorities, as it touches on the themes of acceptance.

This production was nicely crafted, well acted and directed.

The opening scene is in Paris as Asher Lev (John O’Hara)  reflects on his life.  The most charismatic performer was Tim McGarry who played several roles.  He was stoic as Asher’s father and  passionate as his art teacher. 

Annie Byron injected humour into the production as Asher’s mother and life model.

However the play is not entirely satisfying as a piece of drama as it does not move beyond the one narrow theme. It was like a song with only a few notes. They might have been beautiful notes but we were waiting for the story to develop further.

David Spicer

Photographer: Blumenthal Photography.