Robert Stolarik for The New York Times. David Adjmi outside the high school division of the Yeshiva of Flatbush, in the Midwood section of Brooklyn.
Update: We would not be surprised to see this play back in a theater real soon now following the unfortunate publicity that the Syrian Jewish community has suffered after the FBI sting operation and the subsequent arrest of Rabbi Saul Kassin and other prominent members of the group.
In June, the reviews for the Adjmi play were mixed. But the Times liked it as this review shows: Once a Boyhood Outsider, Now Reflecting on His Tribe By FELICIA LEE
We see this situation as bad for his tribe, but a boost for the writer. David Adjmi’s play “Stunning” is set in the Syrian-Jewish enclave of Brooklyn where he grew up. [The Times review comes with audio interviews.]
By the way Wikipedia says, "The term playwright is not a variant spelling of playwrite, but something quite distinct: the word wright is an archaic English term for a craftsman or builder (as in a wheelwright or cartwright)."
In June, the reviews for the Adjmi play were mixed. But the Times liked it as this review shows: Once a Boyhood Outsider, Now Reflecting on His Tribe By FELICIA LEE
We see this situation as bad for his tribe, but a boost for the writer. David Adjmi’s play “Stunning” is set in the Syrian-Jewish enclave of Brooklyn where he grew up. [The Times review comes with audio interviews.]
By the way Wikipedia says, "The term playwright is not a variant spelling of playwrite, but something quite distinct: the word wright is an archaic English term for a craftsman or builder (as in a wheelwright or cartwright)."
I saw it and thought it was awful.
ReplyDeleteDavid Adjmi portrayed the Syrian community where he came
from in a distorted unrealistic light.
Stereotyping the men as abusive, racist and thieves.
The women as sheltered dumb and ignorant. The Housekeeper a murderer and thief. How dare he humiliate them in this way only to advance his own personal career.
The Syrians are a wonderful community family oriented, charitable and never use the N word.
They are no different than Italians, Irish, Spanish or any Ethnic group of people that maintains there heritage, religion and family values.
He couldn't have created a play more far from the truth. He evidently has a lot of anger and resentment for the
people who raised him into an educated playwright. Yaa Hadam (what a shame in Syrian)
Paula