Indecent Tickets

Why so Indecent?

To be honest, nothing. The play's indecency lies not in the content within it, but in the story it represents. Sholem Asch's God of Vengeance was written in 1906 and staged in 1923. It featured, amongst a compelling storyline and characterization, a Yiddish setting and a lesbian kiss, which resulted in the cast and crew being arrested and put in prison after the performance. As a result, "Indecent" is a satirical title, and the play is a recounting of the production of this historically controversial play.

What is Indecent?

The play does not simply perform the story of God of Vengeance as a musical; instead, it focuses more on the making of this classic play. The musical recounts the journey of this play from its origins in Warsaw in 1906 to when it was banned from New York theaters in 1926. Perhaps the most iconic moment in Indecent is its lesbian kiss, which is a nod to the first lesbian kiss ever on the American stage, featured in God of Vengeance. It is a powerful and gripping sight full of socio-political nuances, becoming a fierce tribute to the struggle for gay rights in America. The musical is also a resilient effort against anti-Semitism and is performed by a Yiddish cast in Yiddish with English supertitles for non-Yiddish audiences. Yiddish theater tends to be a niche, largely catering to Jewish audiences; however, God of Vengeance, as well as Indecent, have proven to be exceptions. Sholem Asch argued in the 1920s that "Yiddish theater needs to be universal," and Vogel in 2017 is emphasizing the same importance. Therefore, the narrative of this musical is non-linear, with modern nuances finding their way into this story, essentially about a 1923 theater production that caught New York by storm.

Challenging Stereotypes

Director Rebecca Taichmann had this to say about Indecent: "I just felt that it was a really important memory to caretake, this extraordinary glimpse into a moment in New York and in American and Jewish history. What happened was so singular and important, and instructive and useful for us now." (Variety, 2017)

Perhaps the most glaring social reality this musical highlights is how little has changed. While anti-Semitism, sexism, persecution of diverse sexualities and immigrants are now unlawful, they still occur. It challenges the tone deafness of a modern, polarized America which refuses to acknowledge the physical and emotional turmoil marginalized communities are constantly under today.

Indecent, then, becomes a generalized commentary on modern society. It is potent, sharp, and subtle, leaving an audience acknowledging this turmoil without it ever being spelled out.

Indecent and Yiddish Theater

Jewish theatre has always been a niche, primarily aimed at a Jewish audience or those who can understand Yiddish. In keeping with the aims of God of Vengeance, however, Indecent breaks this trend by universalizing an otherwise specific story. There are elements in the story that have the potential to resonate with marginalized communities universally, and these are not wasted by Paula Vogel.

Very Few Chances left!

The Cort Theatre on Broadway has been home to Indecent for over two months now. With a capacity of seating 1,032 people in one go, the musical is performed every evening, with matinees on weekends. The play's final performance on Broadway is just around the corner, so there are very few chances left to watch this ground-breaking musical with its existing cast on Broadway. Indecent tickets are available now; make sure you get yours.