The Golem: or, Next Year in Jerusalem

The Golem: or, Next Year in Jerusalem is really two plays, performed by two actors in two spaces concurrently with both actors and the two audience groups moving between the two spaces. On Saturday evenings, audiences can choose to watch both shows in a 120 minute experience.

The Golem, according to legend, was a giant figure made from clay by Rabbi Leow in the 1500s, who rose to protect the Jews of Prague from persecution. Actors Humphrey Bower, an actor and writer of Jewish descent, and Timothy Green, a Jewish contemporary theatre maker, use the legend of The Golem as an impetus to explore their different relationships to their Jewish heritage as well as examining themselves, their identity and politics. They are joined, on video, by Hazem Shammas, a Palestinian Australian actor, who adds his own perspective.

Highly physical, highly energetic, the two performers move between the two performances with outstanding timing and great organisation. Each group is accompanied by an usher/escort, while two very busy assistant stage managers, Renee Bittern and Abi Russell, manage the show and also perform supporting roles. 

Intriguing, interesting and well planned, the performance, and set design by Rhys Morris, takes over most of the building, including what are usually backstage areas, and what may be familiar to long-term Blue Room patrons as the “old front entrance”. Joe Lui gives us very atmospheric sound and lighting, at times rather unnerving - and I feel bound to point out to those with sensory difficulties that most of this show is performed in very low light, and the sounds are at times very loud and dischordant. 

The show finishes in a public space outside the venue - with both actors and both audiences - in a celebration and what appears to be a message of hope.

While at times the authors’ messages aren’t clear, this is a moving production and one that leaves you thinking - and for me was a call to re-examine my relationship to my own Jewish heritage.

The capped capacity and promenade nature of this show means that tickets are in short supply - and at this point, only wait-list may be available.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Daniel Grant