Unicorn "Two Jews Walk into a War" review by T.Winchester

Waiting for HaShem?

Rating: 5

Two Jews Walk Into A War...

Unicorn Theatre

In many ways, the Unicorn production of "Two Jews Walk Into A War," written by Seth Rozin, that I saw last night could be likened to a Jewish version of "Waiting for Godot"—just as dark and funny, but with a political background and clearer religious import that the earlier comedy does not contain. In this two-character play, directed by Cynthia Levin, we are introduced to the last two Jews living in Kabul, Afghanistan: Ishaq (played by Jim Korinke) and Zeblyan (played by Robert Elliott).

With chutzpah, a sense of humor and a tenacity of faith that are characteristic of the Jewish people throughout history, these two characters—walking contradictions in light of their geopolitical surroundings—do their best to put their extreme dislike of each other aside and band together as narrator and scribe to do the impossible: double-handedly transcribing the Torah and resurrecting Judiasm in the midst of a war-torn country in which they are the last two Jews.

Along the way, we are treated to much comic banter, religious and otherwise, but with punch lines frequently punctuated by gunfire in the distance or explosions from very realistic-sounding mortar shells—complete with fallout from the sky. Credit for the sound effects is due to David Kiehl, who also has selected several pieces of lively, entertaining ethnic music as "filler" before and during the performance. The Unicorn makes the absolute most of the smaller Jerome Stage in this production, with a very functional, effective set designed by Evan Hill that depicts a crumbling, bombed-out synagogue where the action takes place.

This is not just a comedy, however. The play moves past humorous discussions of how to interpret passages from the Old Testament and its seemingly-arbitrary rules of "Thou shalt nots" to larger issues, including a metaphysical questioning of faith and God's plan for humankind in the larger scope of existence. Imagine Abbot and Costello having a rabbinical debate on biblical interpretation and you have a sense of the humor at the least common denominator, but the depth of the play certainly doesn't stop there.

Korinke and Elliott have an onstage chemistry in this production that captures the essence of the characters they portray, even though neither seems initially to have a distinctive "Jewish" sensibility—if there even is such a thing. Whether the director's unusual decision to have Elliott chew gum during the first half of the play—it fell out of his mouth when he bent over during the performance—was a good idea should be left up to the individual audience member, but some may find it distracting. Overall this entertaining play, tightly arranged into several short scenes with blackouts in between, will certainly make you laugh and leave an impression on you and your perception of the Old Testament long after attending it.


read the review at KC Stage