Exagoge

Reviewed by Vanessa Cate
theatre dybbuk
Through August 6

RECOMMENDED

In terms of theme and ambience, Exagoge is reminiscent of Critical Mass Performance Group’s Ameryka from earlier this year. It depicts, with broad yet precise brushstrokes and surprising emotional resonance, a collage of people, living without borders and searching for their independence and a means of survival.

The text is based on the life of Moses as written by the Alexandrian-Jewish tragedian and poet, Ezekiel. And while only 269 lines of his original 2^nd century B.C.E. text remain, writer/director Aaron Henne has taken Will Dilbeck’s translation and brilliantly interspersed it with brief excerpts from the speeches and writings of Shirley Chrisholm, Frederick Douglas, Patrick Henry, Russell Means, and Barack Obama.

The piece highlights the idea of the “other,” spotlighting the atrocities, the brutality and the despair felt so keenly not only by the Jews, but by all marginalized peoples, including Native Americans, Middle Easterners, Mexicans, religious minorities, and even women. Even as it examines the alienation experienced by these different groups, the play is ultimately, beautifully, about unity rather than division.

The diverse ensemble forms into a Greek chorus that takes on multiple roles, and makes use of a very important mask (designed by Leslie K. Gray) that symbolizes the persona of Moses. As each actor dons the mask, the complexity of this biblical character increases.

Henne’s adaptation is so seamless that it is difficult to discern which parts of the text are modern and which are from the second century B.C.E. He directs with grace and strength, delivering, in this Mosaic mosaic, a powerful and timeless story to an audience composed of religious believers and theater enthusiasts alike. He wonderfully blends ancient theatrical technique with fluid, modern sensibilities. Kai Hazelwood’s choreography is an integral and impressive element of the production.

Members of the Harmony Project Leimert Park Choir, under the musical direction of Kenneth Anderson and with music composed by Michael Skloff, contribute some truly beautiful and haunting music that adds a spiritual element to an already divine piece. Kathryn Poppen’s costume design and Eileen Cooley’s lighting greatly enhance this flawless and compelling work.

Note: Exagoge was reviewed on Saturday June 18^th at the Temple Israel of Hollywood. As the remaining performances will be mounted at other locations, some production elements may vary from those noted here.

Grand Park/The Music Center, 200 N. Grand Ave. Los Angeles (July 23) and Fowler Museum at UCLA, 308 Charles E. Young Dr. North, Los Angeles (Aug. 6). Performances Saturday July 23^rd 8 p.m. & Saturday August 6^th 8 p.m. https://www.theatredybbuk.org Running time: Approximately one hour and 40 minutes with no intermission.