BWW Reviews: The New Jewish Theatre's Fascinating Production of CONVICTION

Oren Neeman's Conviction, as translated and adapted by actor/writer Ami Dayan, is a brilliant tour de force. This tale, told in historical flashbacks, is an intriguing piece that focuses our attention on a priest who forsakes his vows to return to the roots of his true faith and be with the woman he loves. This staging, in the round by director Joe Gfaller, keeps us on our toes as characters weave their way through this fascinating and engaging story. The New Jewish Theatre's current production is a smartly played treat that's another example of must-see theatre.

A professor of Genealogy is being grilled over a file he has stolen. But, he's unwilling to speak. So, his interrogator opens the file and begins reading its contents; the confessions of a priest who fell in love with a Jewish woman, and renounced his faith. The story ends tragically, of course, because this takes place during the Spanish Inquisition, when these matters were treated by torturous methods, and usually ended with the victim burning at the stake.

Amy Dayan inhabits the characters who populate this play, and he's simply amazing to watch. As we bounce back and forth through time, Dayan gracefully transitions between roles and points of view. It's rare that you can get the opportunity to see an actor so passionate and adept, which makes it a performance that demands to be seen.

Director Joe Gfaller keeps Dayan moving about the simple set pieces and different levels provided in a manner that allows this piece from ever becoming static, or uninteresting. Nathan Schroeder's lighting scheme is well executed and dramatically enhances the presentation. Michele Friedman Siler's costumes allow Dayan to smoothly switch back and forth between characters with nary a break in the action.

This splendidly rendered production of Conviction by the New Jewish Theatre continues through April 14, 2013. I recommend that you catch it while you still can!