"New Jerusalem - The Interrogation of Baruch de Spinoza at Talmud Torah Congregation: Amsterdam, July 27, 1656" by David Ives. What a title! What a play! How often do we see a play that expounds ideas, philosophical and practical, that wake up the corners of our minds in fascinating dramatic fashion? With a powerful cast including David Garrison, Jeremy Strong as the young Spinoza, and Fyvush Finkel, who can't help making us smile, even in a very serious role, Act One gives us new, fascinating ecumenical ideas as Spinoza is interrogated by a Christian legislator for possible atheism, setting the Jewish community in Amsterdam in danger. The arguments open lines of thought in us, and the good acting keeps us enthralled. In Act Two, I wanted to get up and throw my two cents into the argument, but restrained myself. So, I'll throw it in here. As Spinoza gets specific in his repudiation of the soul, he blows it for me. No soul doesn't work for an audience member who knows from experience that it exists. And Determinism takes choice away. Uh uh. But to be at a well-done play that bats ideas around we can agree with or disagree with is a rare and pleasing experience.
Director Walter Bobbie keeps the intellectual dance physically moving on John Lee Beatty's set, which suggests a synagogue, a study hall and a courtroom. Period costumes by Anita Yavich and subtle lighting by Ken Billington nicely evoke the time and atmosphere of the 1600s where shunned people try to survive in a moderately tolerated (don't stand out) political/religious atmosphere in Holland. I ran home and Googled Spinoza.
For me, the play lasted a long time after the final curtain. If intellectual stimulation in first-rate theater is your cup of tea, run and get your ticket.
