Commentary: U.S. Senate election in Pennsylvania becoming a Middle East referendum
By Bruce S. Ticker
Bruce S. Ticker
PHILADELPHIA –A dual loyalty test approaches that Jews in Pennsylvania do not need.
Old conservative hands William Kristol and Gary Bauer are being abrasive…er, gracious…enough to spend time reminding us that we could be choosing between policies that will better America and those that imperil the security of Israel. How generous of them.
As is usual in mid-term elections, President Obama’s policies will be reconsidered by voters this November through Democratic surrogates running for House and Senate seats. Jewish voters in Pennsylvania must choose between Obama’s slow-moving progressive agenda and deep concerns over the White House’s depth of support for Israel.
The vast majority of American Jews – roughly 75 to 80 percent – nearly automatically vote for Democrats or moderate Republicans because of their support for centrist and liberal policies. Nearly 80 percent of Jews were estimated to vote for Obama in 2008 at a time when we had a right to wonder about Obama’s position on Israel.
During the special Senate election in Massachusetts last January, the majority of voters in most towns with large Jewish populations, especially Newton and Brookline, cast ballots for Democrat Martha Coakley over Scott Brown, the Republican who won the election. However, there were no known reports of Israel being raised as an issue.
This year, the dual loyalty test for Pennsylvania Jews is more sharply defined.
Injecting part of that sharper definition is U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak, who is accused by some supporters of Israel of anti-Israel attitudes. He beat Sen. Arlen Specter in last May’s Democratic primary and faces Republican Pat Toomey in November. Toomey is an ultra conservative former congressman, and Republicans claim to staunchly back Israel.
Kristol and Bauer have formed the Emergency Committee for Israel which targeted Sestak with hardhitting television ads, reported Politico and The New York Jewish Week.
Team Kristol/Bauer’s initiative could prove a double-edged sword. Maybe it will serve as shock therapy for Obama and Democratic senators and representatives who stubbornly assail Israel’s blockade of Gaza, peace-process policies and Jerusalem housing. American Jews have understandable reasons to be upset with the White House and some congressional Democrats. However, invoking Israel as an election issue could get messy.
Sestak was among 54 Democrats criticizing Israel’s blockade of Gaza without mentioning the four-year imprisonment of Israeli Sgt. Gilad Shalit, who was seized by terrorists in a cross-border raid on June 25, 2006.
However, Sestak was subsequently a co-sponsor of a House bill urging the immediate release of Shalit.
Obama repeatedly calls the conditions in Gaza “unsustainable,” yet critics ignore the fact that Israel no longer runs Gaza. Hamas governs it, and that makes them responsible for the welfare of their citizens. Hamas has launched thousands of rocket attacks against Israel, which is positioned to advance or devastate Gaza’s economy as it pleases.
Vice President Biden’s outburst last March over housing plans in Jerusalem triggered anger among Jews because the project was proposed in a Jewish neighborhood of Jerusalem, and many supporters of Israel oppose giving up any part of Jerusalem to the Arabs. Biden’s complaint would have been understandable if he referred to West Bank settlement expansion, which has far less support among Jews.
Granted, a vocal Jewish minority adamantly opposes any peace settlement, adheres to the biblical proclamation that God gave all this land to the Jews and refuses to criticize any Israeli failings. Most American Jews are flexible and rational – to varying degrees – in assessing the situation and for now believe Israel is in the right on most basic issues.
Obama and Congress deserve credit for persistently contesting Iran’s nuclear ambitions; standing behind Israel’s response to attempts to breach its blockade of Gaza; and being deeply involved in the peace process. Sestak has pointed to many of his strong pro-Israel positions.
Nonetheless, Obama and Sestak invited the wrath of Kristol and Bauer – respectively, the editor of the conservative Weekly Standard, and a former Republican presidential candidate – because of their aforementioned positions. It would benefit everyone, except political opportunists, if Obama and other members of Congress would rethink their past actions.
This emergency committee already struck with an advertisement carried on Comcast blasting Sestak’s letter on the Gaza blockade while refusing to sign a petition of defense of Israel circulated by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, and for his appearance at a fundraiser for the Council on American Islamic Relations, which the FBI called a “front group for Hamas,” Politico reported.
The ad’s narrator asks, “Does Congressman Joe Sestak understand Israel is America’s ally?”
Sestak spokeswoman April Mellody tells Politico of Sestak’s pro-Israel record, but adds this dismissive statement: “It’s political silly season so it’s not surprising these conservatives are trying to distort Joe’s record.”
Israel is fair game in an election. Though conservatives can be shrill on many issues, Kristol and Bauer raise legitimate concerns on Israel’s fate. Shamefully, rational discourse is hardly the outcome when Israel is raised as an issue. Any American Jew can be rightfully apprehensive that mention of the Middle East in this election could become ugly and chaotic.
Remember that Republicans’ most sincere intentions have not always translated into the best outcome for Israel. President Bush created a monster when he drove Saddam Hussein from power in Iraq, which freed up Iran from its historic tensions with Iraq. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad – the monster in question – emerged as Iran’s president and focused his government’s attention on threatening Israel with nuclear annihilation.
Less than two weeks following the committee’s formation, The Philadelphia Daily News reported that Sestak said his campaign asked Comcast to cease running the ad because it is “harming Israel’s security.” How does an advertisement jeopardize Israel?
Just as puzzling are these words, also quoted in The Daily News, uttered by committee spokesman Michael Goldfarb: “We were outraged that they tried to get our ad taken down through legal threats.” Sorry their feelings were hurt.
Rational discourse this isn’t. So far, absurdity trumps reason. Kind of like life in the Middle East.
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Bruce S. Ticker is a Philadelphia freelance journalist.
Clinton condemns Iran’s sentencing of Baha’is
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release)–The following statement was issued on Thursday by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton:
“The United States is deeply concerned with the Iranian government’s continued persecution of Baha’is and other religious minority communities in Iran.
“This week, seven Baha’i leaders, who were incarcerated and held for nearly two years without due process, were each sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. The United States strongly condemns this sentencing as a violation of Iran’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
“Freedom of religion is the birthright of people of all faiths and beliefs in all places. The United States is committed to defending religious freedom around the world, and we have not forgotten the Baha’i community in Iran. We will continue to speak out against injustice and call on the Iranian government to respect the fundamental rights of all its citizens in accordance with its international obligations.”
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Preceding provided by U.S. State Department
ADL asks Chilean leadership to condemn recent string of anti-Semitic acts
NEW YORK (Press Release) –The Anti-Defamation League on Thursday expressed deep concern about recent anti-Semitic incidents in Chile targeting Jewish community leaders and institutions, and called on the country’s officials to publicly condemn such acts.
In recent weeks, vandals have desecrated cemeteries and spray-painted anti-Semitic graffiti on synagogues and Jewish schools in three cities, including the capital, Santiago. In some instances, the graffiti included swastikas and the words “Juden Raus” (Jews Out). The President of Chile’s Jewish Community and his son have also received death threats.
Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement:
“We are deeply concerned about the recent string of anti-Semitic incidents against Jews and Jewish institutions in Chile. The death threats against the President of the Chilean Jewish Community and his 9 year-old son are an especially chilling development. These incidents have led Jews in Chile to feel intimidated and vulnerable, and create an atmosphere contrary to the country’s democratic ideals.
“While we are gratified that local law enforcement has treated these incidents seriously, we urge high level officials to clearly and publicly demonstrate that Chile takes seriously its responsibility to maintain its democratic and inclusive society, and that it is no place for anti-Semitism, racism or any form of bigotry.
“We express our solidarity with the Chilean Jewish community in the face of this new threat.”
ADL has written to Chilean President Sebastian Piñera Echenique requesting that he condemn the anti-Semitic threats and acts against the Jewish community.
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Preceding provided by Anti-Defamation League
Astronaut Garrett Reisman to lift off San Diego Jewish Film Festival Aug. 29
SAN DIEGO (Press Release) – An Article of Hope, the first film for the 21st Annual San Diego Jewish Film Festival, will be screened on August 29 at 7:15 p.m. at the David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre at the Lawrence Family JCC, Jacobs Family Campus.
Sponsored by the Leichtag Family Foundation, the featured speaker following the screening of the one-hour film is astronaut Garrett Reisman, the first Jewish crew member on the International Space Station. Reisman will highlight the events that led to the filming of An Article of Hope. The film’s director, Dan Cohen, will also participate in a discussion session.
On February 1, 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia broke up above Texas on its way to a Florida homecoming. Its seven astronauts from around the world, including Colonel Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli astronaut, all perished.
Also destroyed was a very special artifact that had survived the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp during the Holocaust: the tiny Torah scroll that Colonel Ramon carried into space. An Article of Hope explores the journey of the Torah from pre-World War II Europe, to Israel, and then into space.
Dr. Reisman, a native of New Jersey, earned his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from California Institute of Technology in 1997 and was selected by NASA as a Mission Specialist in 1998. He was a backup crew member for Expedition 15 and joined Expedition 16 aboard the International Space Station for a short time before becoming a member of Expedition 17. Reisman sent a greeting from space to the people of Israel during the celebration of Israel 60th Independence Day in May 2008. He returned to Earth in June 2008 on board STS-124 on the Space Shuttle Discovery. He was also a member of the STS-132 mission that travelled to the International Space Station aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis from May 14 to 26, 2010.
Reisman, a self-proclaimed member of the “Colbert Universe,” was interviewed live from space on the May 8, 2008 episode of The Colbert Report after being seen wearing a “WristStrong” bracelet. After returning to Earth, Reisman appeared in person on The Colbert Report as that night’s featured guest. Reisman presented Stephen Colbert with the WristStrong bracelet he had worn while in space. Reisman also filmed a cameo appearance as a Colonial Marine for the series finale episode of Battlestar Galactica.
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Preceding provided by the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture
Beth Jacob to screen ‘The Case for Israel’ Aug 22
SAN DIEGO (Press Release)–Beth Jacob Congregation will present the feature-length documentary by Harvard Law School professor Alan Dershowitz, “The Case for Israel: Democracy’s Outpost at 5 p.m. Sunday, August 22, in its social hall at 4855 College Avenue. A $5 donation is requested.
According to the synagogue, the documentary “presents a vigorous case for Israel – for its basic right to exist, to protect its citizens from terrorism, and to defend its borders from hostile enemies. He engages leading political, judicial and academic leaders from Israel and North America in objective and intelligent discourse on the critical challenges facing Israel and the West.”
More information about the film is available on “The Case for Israel” website.
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Preceding provided by Beth Jacob Congregation
Pen and ink series illustrates women of the Bible
Sarah; Women of the Hebrew Bible – A Moment in Their Lives; Pen and Ink on Paper; 16 x 20; (c) Sheila Orysiek
SAN DIEGO (SDJW) — Sheila Orysiek of San Diego has put pen to paper to draw seven women of the Bible at pivotal times in their lives or when their actions “contributed significantly to subsequent events and/or set a precedent in the history of our people.”
For our readers’ enjoyment, San Diego Jewish World will present the drawings consecutively in issues over the next week (Shabbat excluded)
The first focuses on Sarah.
Writes the artist:
“Sarah, wife of Abraham, had accompanied him on all his journeys. She was present when the three Visitors promised that she would bear a son. She helped Abraham as he hosted the Visitors and though she laughed at the idea of giving birth at her advanced age, she did indeed become the mother of Isaac and thus of Israel.”
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Preceding was a San Diego Jewish World staff report
Ohr Shalom in last stages of preservation campaign for old Temple
Ohr Shalom preservation campaign speakers: Rabbi Scott Meltzer, Supervisor Ron Roberts, SOHO's Bruce Coons, Councilman Todd Gloria, and congregants Jose Galicot, Luis Maizel and Raulf Polichar
SAN DIEGO (Press Release)–Nearly 100 elected officials, preservationists and business leaders from both sides of the U.S./Mexico border gathered Wednesday morning on the site of a historic preservation project at the corner of Third and Laurel streets in Park West.
The attendees came from nearby businesses as well those in Baja California to support the final fundraising campaign to complete the renovation of what is now known as Ohr Shalom Synagogue, an iconic landmark of San Diego built as Temple Beth Israel in 1926 and designed by notable architect William H. Wheeler.
Luis Maizel
“Make it Your Business to Make History” fundraising campaign, spearheaded by Luis Maizel, president of LM Advisors, was created as a way to involve the greater San Diego community in contributing to the expensive restoration endeavor. Only $600,000 remains to be raised for the $4 million construction project.
Maizel applauded the congregation in raising more than $3.6 million to date almost exclusively from the 350 Ohr Shalom members, adding, “It is now the turn of businesses and neighbors to aid in this effort.”
Maizel used the analogy of a marathon to explain how far they have come.
“When this project was first proposed, we knew it would be like running a marathon. But 26 miles in a long way,” he said to the audience of who gathered in the courtyard outside of the building that is currently under construction.
As a crane carried building materials over the outdoor patio, Maizel said they are now at mile 22. “We are tired and we are sore. But we will finish this race with the help of our friends and neighbors.”
San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts
County Supervisor Ron Roberts, San Diego City Councilmember Todd Gloria, and Bruce Coons, executive director of Save Our Heritage Organisation, along with Luis Maizel, president of LM Advisors, Raulf Polichar and Jose Galicot took turns addressing the guests, stating the importance of supporting the efforts to complete renovation of the architectural jewel.
Supervisor Roberts, a former architect, began by remarking at the brave efforts of Ohr Shalom to tackle the renovation project once it became known that the building was scheduled for demolition.
“I applaud those who favor saving, and renovating, important parts of San Diego’s history,” said Supervisor Roberts. “I especially cheer those like the Ohr Shalom congregation who actually go out and raise the dollars to turn a vision into reality. The entire San Diego community will be enriched by supporting the completion of this important renovation.”
Bruce Coons, executive director, Save Our Heritage Organization
Coons paid tribute to various community members who helped to preserve the temple building after Beth Israel sold it to developers Peter Janopaul and Anthony Block, including Polichar who led efforts to obtain the building for Ohr Shalom Synagogue and Jewish Historical Society of San Diego leaders Stan and Laurel Schwartz, who mobilized a successful campaign to have the structure declared an historic monument by the State of California and placed on the national register.
“For the last eight years, Ohr Shalom has proved to be an excellent guardian of Wheeler´s work, and their efforts should be commended by the community at large,” Coons said.
City Councilman Todd Gloria
Councilman Gloria thanked the Ohr Shalom congregation for its care of less fortunate people in his district through a variety of social service projects, and for making its meeting facilities available to the general community.
“As a third generation San Diegan, I’ve seen many buildings in our community lost because of the lack of appreciation for their historic significance,” said Gloria. “This isn’t just restoring a building; we’re preserving an important part of our neighborhood’s history for the greater good of the community.”
Reflecting the community spirit of the project, Rabbi Scott Meltzer reiterated that the Ohr Shalom building will continue servicing the entire community as a meeting center and as a resource for the entire community once the renovation is complete.
“The intention is to bring the building back to its original glory. That meant erasing the footprints of time, but to also add seismic protection and water intrusion prevention,” the rabbi explained.
Continuity between the Reform Congregation Beth Israel, which is now located in the University Towne Center area, and the Conservative Ohr Shalom Synagogue was represented by the presence of Jerry Goldberg, an attorney who previously served as president of Beth Israel and who is the uncle of Rabbi Meltzer.
“The painstaking combination of the old and the new was a challenge for Zagrodnik & Thomas Architects and Swinerton Builders,” Meltzer said, referring to the architects and builders in charge of the restoration project, “and it is evident now that it will be beautifully accomplished.”
Raulf Polichar, former Ohr Shalom Synagogue president
Polichar said that refurbishing the building meant undoing some of the “modernization of 1950 to reveal the original beauty.” Additionally, the structure was reinforced for earthquake safety and to bring it in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The stage inside the old Temple Center, or social hall, was removed, and a small meeting room and new kosher kitchen constructed in its place.
Galicot told of visiting a museum in Israel where Jewish communities were represented by lights on a map. Many lights went out in the 15th century because of the Expulsion from Spain and Portugal and in the 20th century because of the Holocaust.
Jose Galicot
But, now in San Diego in the 21st century, “here we are turning on lights,” Galicot declared.
Attention to detail and historic accuracy were of essence. All renovation work was approved by the Historical Resources Board at the City Planning Department and is in compliance with The Secretary of the Interiors’ Standards for Rehabilitation.
Guests were able to tour the restored areas and marveled at the dazzling stained glass windows and domed sanctuary.
Rabbi Meltzer in Ohr Shalom's refurbished sanctuary August 11, 2010Ohr Shalom Synagogue is one of the foremost examples of Mediterranean Revival, an American architectural style that caught momentum in the mid-1920s.Architect William H. Wheeler was commissioned for the construction of the property by Congregation Beth Israel, who initially occupied the premises.Stained Glass in Ohr Shalom sanctuary
Stained Glass in Ohr Shalom sanctuary
Wheeler delivered a synagogue with a classic Moorish style dome, high ceilings above a majestic sanctuary, and stained glass windows with medieval, Islamic and Jewish motifs.
Ohr Shalom Congregation took possession of the building in 2002, committed to preserving the historic landmark.
The renovation project began in January and entailed complete repair and repainting of the façade, a structural seismic upgrade to comply with current building codes, and removal of wood panels lining the halls, in order to reveal the original stucco.
The stained-glass windows were shipped to Iowa for specialized restoration, and a replica of the original raised- paneled doors is being custom made by hand in California.
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Preceding based on material provided by J Simms Agency, which is coordinating the “Make It Your Business to Make History” campaign for Ohr Shalom Synagogue, and augmented by event coverage by San Diego Jewish Press editor Donald H. Harrison
Naomi Shemer songs to be featured Aug. 18 by Havurat Zemer
LA JOLLA, California (Press release) — The songs of Naomi Shemer–a composer perhaps best known for “Jerusalem of Gold” written before the 1967 Six Day War–will be featured by Havurat Zemer, the Israel choir of San Diego, at 7:30 p.m. in the Rehearsal Room of the Lawrence Family JCC.
Conducted by Rivi Raz, Havurat Zemer’s performance will be accompanied by an audio-visual presentation in Hebrew. Brochures in Hebrew and English will be available. The ticket price of $7 includes light refreshments.
RSVPs are required to evahavafriedman@yahoo.com
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Preceding based on materials provided by Havurat Zemer
Conquering ‘Norman’ at Cygnet Theatre
- Albert Dayan and Sandy Campbell (Photo: Luke Olaon)
By Carol Davis
Carol Davis
SAN DIEGO–Here’s a challenge for you. The Cygnet Theatre in Old Town is mounting Alan Ayckbourn’s trilogy, “The Norman Conquests” both in repertory together and individually. The three shows, Round and Round The Garden, Living Together, and Table Manners are all interconnected and can be seen together or can stand on their own as three separate two act plays.
Yours truly on opening day ‘survived’ “Norman” in a six hour marathon recently, and is still standing (or sitting) to tell about it. You might want to try it. It is a challenge, but well worth it. It’s an ambitious undertaking and does require a whole day but, hey, it’s a theatrical moment.
It is said that Ayckbourn is one of the most popular and prolific British playwrights. He has written and produced seventy-four full-length plays between 1972 and 2009. They have been translated into 35 different languages. In many circles he is called the Neil Simon of England. There was a time in the past that an Ayckbourn play could have been seen on any local stage in any given year. It’s good to have him back, thanks to The Cygnet Theatre.
The trilogy, of “The Norman Conquests” was written over the course of a week. The plays give three ‘dovetailed accounts of events at a country house over one weekend’ that begins at 5:30 on a Saturday and ends a little after 9:30 the following Monday.
The six suspects Annie (Jo Anne Glover), Sarah (Sandy Campbell), Ruth (Frances Anita Rivera), Reg (Ron Choularton) and Norman (Albert Dayan) are all related to each other in one way or another. Tom, (Danny Campbell) is the local vet who has eyes on Annie. To most he is her best bet as a love interest. Tom is so slow to move or tune in (that it’s almost like watching bread being toasted) that he is invariably a beat behind everyone else. He is one of the family regulars. Annie has about lost patience with him but still has feelings towards him.
One character not seen but spoken of in almost every scene is the matriarch of the house who is bedridden (of her own choosing, it seems) and needs constant care, meds nutrition, etc. Annie has anointed herself to be the sole caretaker for her demanding mother. Sarah and Reg’s visit to the country for the weekend is to give Annie some relief. She going on holiday for some needed R&R (‘alone’) and someone needs to take care of Mother.
The last time the family got together around Christmas Norman the family oddball and womanizer (‘the quickest way to a woman’s heart and body is to ask her for it’) and Annie made secret plans for a weekend getaway at a resort the following summer. The time has come.
Everything is set to go as usual, but… Norman shows up in the garden unexpectedly (instead of in town where they had planned to meet). Sarah and Reg ready to help Annie out, come across Norman and all hell breaks loose.
When Sarah, a busybody at the least discovers that Annie is not in fact going away with Tom (that was their expectation) but with Norman, their brother-in-law (he’s married to Ruth, Annie’s sister) she has some choice words for Annie and throws a wrench in the whole shebang.
The nail that seals the deal is when Ruth shows up after she learns what Norman is up to. Annie cancels the trip, Norman throws a temper tantrum and over the course of the three days Sarah and Norman, and Norman and Ruth and Norman and Annie, well I did say he was a womanizer, didn’t I?
The series of events that follow Norman’s conquests can be seen in 3-D if you will as layer upon layer builds over the course of their weekend especially if you see all three together. If not and you see them on different nights you get to see in real time, a full-length play anyway. Seeing Round And Round The Garden first makes more sense since it has so much going on and is the funniest. It is usually the one produced most often.
That said, in the other two pieces all the scenes and activities that are mentioned in passing, that take place off stage, are filled in. Each play takes place in a different area of the house. When all is said and done, you are able to complete an entire picture of events of happened that weekend. It’s like filling in the pieces of a puzzle. There is some overlap but the time line stays constant and it all becomes clear, honest.
Needless to say Ayckbourn has given us an unique opportunity to witness his clever ideas, meet some very high strung (in most cases) people and to see how they react to the same set of circumstances, all the while satisfying their own emotionally charged feelings caused for the most part by Norman who believes that everyone should be happy above all else.
Co directed by Sean Murray and Francis Gercke the stellar cast is right on target with every exit, entrance and follow through line. In fact the timing is perfect, never missing a beat. It’s a great platform as Cygnet goes into its 2010-2011 season.
In Sean Flanning’s country style setting with a small but pleasant garden outside the family home (seen off kilter leaning to one side) is seen in the first play. It stands in the background of all three plays. Their family living room with a shag rug that sees plenty of action in Living Together shows a somewhat darker side to the family. A dining room table with a buffet in back is the centerpiece in Table Manners showing Sarah’s obsessive behavior, but that doesn’t get in the way of her making plans to meet up with Norman sometime later.
They are dressed in Jeanne Reith’s colorful 70’s style clothes except for Norman who looks somewhat like a bag man in his overcoat, woolen cap pulled over his ears (don’t forget it’s summer), baggy pants and sporting a shaggy beard. Most of the other character’s clothes are rather stylish for the times.
All six actors personify their characters to a tee and they are an odd mix to be sure. Sandy Campbell’s Sarah is prim and properly repressed both in her marriage to Reg and in her own skin. Reg is in real estate but would rather be by himself playing the board games he makes as a pastime rather than socializing. He can’t even remember the names of his two children.
Choularton is the perfect foil for Sarah (who gets hives if she can’t pour the tea for everyone). He’s very funny as he grumbles about the food over the course of the weekend. In one play, Table Manners he must have had at least five bowls of cereal and milk without even saying so much as a word or looking up from the table. In another he plays his board game intended for four, by himself. It’s one of those you have to see it to believe moments. It is very funny.
Jo Anne Glover’s Annie takes on the woe-is-me-look on the outside but has a pretty strong constitution inside. She just never gets the opportunity to show her assertiveness and as a result is taken advantage of by the family. She’s pretty much out there on her own and Tom (Danny Campbell) doesn’t help much; he’s so wishy-washy.
Compared to her sister Ruth’s crisp and cool look, Annie dresses in jeans and an old shaggy sweater and plays down her importance. When she does finally dress up, no one even notices. She’s almost window dressing in the scheme of things, that’s why this weekend tryst is such a departure for her. Both women are interesting to watch as opposite ends of the personality and family spectrum.
Another study in opposites is Tom and Norman. Tom is afraid to make a wrong move, not because he’s afraid to move, he just doesn’t get half of what’s expected of him. Norman is a mover and shaker of sorts; a con man who just loves women.
Dayan’s Norman is quirky, selfish, persistent and apparently charming to some. He doesn’t stand still for one minute and is the center of everything that happens in these plays. He knows he plays havoc with the women, doesn’t give a damn because after his little romps he’s on to the next challenge. He is unabashedly out there wooing the women and telling them exactly what they want to hear; most likely that’s more than what the get from their own spouses.
The bottom line with Norman is that as obnoxious as he appears to be, he’s another lonely soul looking for love in all the wrong places. I’m guessing every guy in the audience wonders what the heck he has going for him simply because he’s the complete opposite of what you would expect women to be charmed by. Ah men, ah women!
Choularton has the only authentic British accent by accident of birth but Annie Hinton who is the dialect coach for the others does a fine job at least to these ears. Michelle Caron’s whimsical lighting design takes us through the passing days and highlights the misadventures of the family well and Bonnie L. Durben is responsible for all the little odds and ends that always end up in the right places.
In its totality “The Norman Conquests” rates a two thumbs up. See them separately or see them on the same either way, it’s a win/win situation.
See you at the theatre.
Dates: July 28th –November 7th
Organization: Cygnet Theatre
Phone: 619-337-1525
Production Type: Sex Farce
Where: 4040 Twiggs Street, Old Town State Historic Park
Ticket Prices: $24.00-$54.00
Web: cygnettheatre.com
Venue: Old Town Theatre
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Theatre critic Davis is based in San Diego
ADL seeks world mobilization to help imprisoned Baha’i in Iran
NEW YORK (Press Release) — The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) on Wednesday urged the international community to call for the release of seven Baha’i community leaders sentenced to 20 years in prison by an Iranian court. The seven are accused of security violations, espionage and other crimes. Baha’i leaders and human rights activists say the charges are false.
Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director issued the following statement:
“These seven individuals are guilty of nothing more than belonging to the Baha’i faith. The international community must make clear that this sentencing is an act of great injustice and a clear violation of the freedom of religion upheld by civilized nations.
“This action against the Baha’i community only further exemplifies the mockery of Iran’s membership in the United Nations Human Rights Council. ”
The League previously called on world leaders to insist upon the release of the seven in May 2008.
The Baha’i community is the largest religious minority subject to persecution in Iran. The Iranian regime considers the Baha’i heretics, and since President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad came to power, the persecution of this largest non-Muslim religious minority in Iran has intensified, with members of the Baha’i community enduring harassment, cemetery desecration, property confiscation, physical attacks, arrest and imprisonment.
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Preceding provided by the Anti Defamation League
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