Set in 2012 amidst the signing of a peace treaty between Israel and the Palestinians, Motti Lerner’s play, Pangs of the Messiah, is an apocalyptic yet fiercely humane drama about eight West Bank Jewish settlers pitted against an Israel they feel betrayed by.

Photo by Michael Brosilow of James Elly in
Pangs of the Messiah at Silk Road Theatre Project, directed by Jennifer Green

The play focuses on a religious family that finds itself torn between fighting to stay in their settlement and obeying their government’s decision to dismantle it. Left hanging in the balance is the legacy of their beliefs.

The Silk Road Theatre Project showcases playwrights of Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean backgrounds, whose works address themes relevant to the peoples of the Silk Road and their Diaspora communities.

The play runs through May 10th in Pierce Hall at The Historic Chicago Temple Building, 77 W. Washington St., Chicago.

Click here to view a clip from the play:
http://www.stagechannel.com/video.php?ebc=lEQNMxHdNGVH

Susan Adler, actress who plays the part of Amalia, believes that this production is a very real portrayal. “I think it’s time that the Jews own up to the fact that right wing fundamentalists exist among us” she said.

Jamil Khoury, co-founder of the Silk Road Theatre project, stated that this play was chosen because it “speaks to the audience.” He also believes that this play shows that there is “as much of a conflict between communities as is in them” he said.

Upon first reading the play, Khoury admits, “I felt a source of discomfort. I went to that place of discomfort and realized this is more of a reason to produce it.”

Photo by Michael Brosilow of Stacie Green and Brent T. Barnes in
Pangs of the Messiah at Silk Road Theatre Project, directed by Jennifer Green.

Though the play was written almost 20 years ago, “It still has a lot to say now,” said Jennifer Green who directed the production. The play was modernized at Theater J she said.

As an Isreali-American, with the Middle East conflict constantly a topic of discussion, this play simply scared me. Even though it is projected in the future, the issues depicted are very real. For anyone who has an interest in delving further into the complex aspects of this conflict, I urge you to stop in to see the play.

Two groups that are considered stark opposites actually took some time to have a chat. Members of CRU and the LGBT community held a panel discussion Feb. 19 in Loomis. In the audience, members from both communities came to show support and be informed. I feel that it went really well, of course it helps that I was one of the people on the panel.

As both a Jew…and a member of the LGBT community, it was interesting to talk to members of CRU, and actually forge friendships. It was amazing to have various people come up to me and thank me for what I said (both LGBT members as well as Christians). It seems that this will in fact be a start to merging both communities.

All 8 Panelists

One of the questions that we (LGBT side) were asked was: Are there any barriers that would prevent a lasting partnership to occur between our groups? Of course, I had to tackle this one.

It is my experience that there’s this societal notion that faith-based organizations, especially those affiliated with Christianity, are unwilling to accept LGBT people in their community. So many people assume that anyone who identifies as LGBT has rejected their faith completely, but it’s important to realize that a lot of people struggle with their faith because of their identity.

Often times, this stems from a lack of acceptance from these faith organizations. It’s not that LGBT people want to reject the religion, it’s that people associated with the faith have rejected them because of their identity.

I explained that there are two ways to break the barriers that exist, first, between our two groups, and then among people of our own communities. Active participation from members in both groups at each other’s programs, speaks volumes.

The other way is to have people of varying faith’s who are accepting of LGBT people discuss their choice of acceptance with members of their faith. It is also important for devout (in any religion) members of the queer community to share with others that they are in fact religious.

I asked most of the people who thanked me which group they came with (believe it or not, gay-dar isn’t always accurate). One person who came up to me explained that he came as a member of both groups. It’s amazing that such a program reached people that deal with this conflict. I hope that the honesty of the panel members will encourage him to be involved in both communities.

Just as I did when the Consulate General came to speak, I stayed after the program was over to converse with CRU people from the audience. That conversation touched on heavy questions related to Jesus and personal beliefs. It was interesting to connect with people that I would probably have avoided in any other situation.

This night helped me gain perspective. I really appreciate the fact that they (CRU panelists) denounced the preachers that chant on the quad.

I plan to attend various CRU events to keep the conversation going. CRU is a very welcoming organization for people of various identities and beliefs. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to meet them, and be a member on this panel.