The Gathering
by Arje Shaw

Name: The Gathering
Brand: Arje Shaw
SKU: 9780573703171
Rating: 3.67 (3 reviews)

The Gathering Book Cover — The Gathering Cover

Highlights

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Male

120 mins1980sStrong Role for Leading Man (Star Vehicle)Unit Set/Multiple SettingsPeriod Costumes

What readers are saying

Readers find The Gathering a compelling exploration of forgiveness and memory. The narrative follows an elderly Jewish man's journey back to Germany, prompting deep reflections on his past and survival after the concentration camps. While the themes are poignant, the overall impact might resonate differently with each individual.

Compelling exploration of forgivenessDeep reflections on memoryStrong character developmentImpact may vary for some viewers

Synopsis

Arje Shaw blends history and family politics in his Broadway dramedy, set in 1985.

The Gathering explores the conflicts between grandfather, father, and son which arise over the dinner table when they discuss President Ronald Reagan's planned visit to Bitberg, site of burial grounds for Nazi soldiers.

The stakes are high in the discussion because the grandfather (Hal Linden) is a Holocaust survivor and his son is a speechwriter for Reagan.

Caught between them is the young lad, who is preparing for his bar mitvah.

With a multi-generational cast, The Gathering asks poignant questions about understanding and forgivness in the face of tragedy.

Press Reviews

"'The Gathering'...is an affecting sermon. The issue is forgiveness, the lesson is that the endless harboring of anger and resentment -- even over the egregious cruelties of the Holocaust -- is a soul-warping endeavor, and the message is that, for their own good as well as the world's, it is time for Jewish survivors to let go of their vengefulness and allow the healing to begin...as a playwright, Mr. Shaw makes a pretty good rabbi." - New York Times"Though many in the audience will see themselves and their family in this play, and there are a number of laughs showing how all families at times function in similar ways,...The Gathering can be a difficult and uncomfortable theatrical experience. But, it can also be a rewarding one."
— Talkin' Broadway

Characters

Character	Gender	Age	Description
GABE (ZAYDEE) Michael’s Grandfather	—	—	Michael’s Grandfather
MICHAEL (BOYTSCHICK) Grandson	—	—	Grandson
STUART Michael’s Father	male	—	Michael’s Father
DIANE Michael’s Mother	female	—	Michael’s Mother
EGON Young German Security Guard	—	—	Young German Security Guard