SUKKOT takes us through the bramble of a family’s collective misery, despondency, anguish, and agony to show you (and them) how to rejoice.
Why is JOY so hard to have? Is it because it’s too easy? Or, because as humans we feel the need to make the simple things complicated? Why does it take tragedy and pain to understand? And how or where do you find it, exactly?
Some people call this exploration, “the journey”. Playwright Matthew Leavitt reminds us in his world premiere play presented by The 6th Act, that there’s an actual path… and surprisingly also a specific holiday where you can land smack in the middle of it! With a little bit of effort.
Sukkot, the Jewish autumn festival of double thanksgiving is a weeklong holiday that comes five days after Yom Kippur. Sukkot celebrates the gathering of the harvest (“Feast of the Ingathering: Exodus 23.16). It is one of three Pilgrim festivals and recalls the days when the Israelites lived in huts (sukkot) during their years of wandering in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. Most importantly, though, it is a day when Jews are absolutely commanded to rejoice.
In this comedy with a twist, Patrick Sullivan (Andy Robinson) is mourning his deceased wife. He’s lonely. He’s depressed. And his life doesn’t seem to have any meaning at all now that she’s gone. He doesn’t know what to do. He has no purpose. Or so he tells his wife’s Rabbi who is helping him prepare for the unveiling of her tombstone.
After tolerating his phone call confessional for a good long time, the Rabbi wishes him the best and then reminds him that the date of the unveiling is on Sukkot. Maybe that could be something to rejoice.
The funny thing, however, is that Sullivan is Irish and doesn’t know a thing about Jewish holidays. He and his spouse weren’t particularly devoted to either of their natal religions. And none of their children have much relationship to their mother’s birth culture. But he’s going to give this newly acquired inspiration his all. And the kids are joining in whether they like it or not.
Leavitt’s play is not complicated. But everything about the emotional lives of all involved is a mountainous heap of resistance, resentments, despairs, and hurts. Sometimes feeling a bit overwritten there is nevertheless a kind of immediacy with the dialog and attitudes of the father and the (now very adult) kids that creates a familiarity – a kinship with the audience. I personally felt like, “Yup. I know exactly. Been here. Still here. I’ve even said that. Like yesterday, to my brother.”
The stuttered confessions that eventually become streams of honesty between each member of the family are so emotionally poignant. But in the also funny way families interact, often, pain layered on top of pain brings enlightenment. Enlightenment causes togetherness. And togetherness bears absolutely, perfectly imperfect JOY.
SUKKOT is a sublimely constructed play that is endearing as much as its characters are annoying or laughable. A tearful, beautiful, ugly, angry, complex weave of tough love and rivalry. And a definitive primer on how to rejoice.
RECOMMENDED
SUKKOT
Written by MATTHEW LEAVITT
Directed by JOEL ZWICK
Starring: Andy Robinson, Jonathan Slavin, Liza Seneca and Natalie Lander,
Runs: Saturday, January 13 at 8 pm – Sunday, February 4 at 7 pm
Performs: Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm; Sundays at 3pm & 7pm
At the Skylight Theatre, 1816 1/2 N. Vermont Ave. in Los Feliz (Los Angeles, CA)
Tickets: $35.00
The Design Team for SUKKOT features Set Design by Mark Mendelson; Sound Design by Chris Moscatiello. The Production Stage Manager is Rich Andrew.
For tickets – visit https://the6thact.ludus.com/
Photo by Jackson Davis: Andy Robinson and Natalie Lander star in THE SIXTH ACT’s world premiere production of “SUKKOT” by Matthew Leavitt, directed by Joel Zwick and now playing at the Skylight Theatre in Los Feliz.
