Inter-Plays
Inter-Plays (I-Ps), written by Peter Pitzele Ph.D, are interactive plays whose themes are related to the Bible, Holidays, to the Torah Portion or topics relevant to the particular concerns of the community.
I-Ps are to be performed as readings, requiring little rehearsal, no props, sets, or costumes. Members of the host community are chosen to be the players. Each I-P features a Narrator who both sets the stage for the reading and “freezes the action” to conduct spontaneous interactions with the audience. There are designated places in each script for such interactions, opportunities for the audience to take part, to comment, to question, even to role play the characters.
I-Ps are suited for the classroom as well as for special gatherings at meeting rooms or places of worship. They offer pleasure, food for study, and opportunities for creative interchange.
“Thank you so much for last night's program. It really was a wonderful and warm experience which gave me a new look at the Book of Ruth with greater depth of understanding. Even today some of those who attended the program, approached me with such enthusiasm. Wonderful!” Lynn
Here is a list of I-Ps. You may also commission an I-P for your community:
Purim
“Saying No, Saying Yes”
The scene is the kitchen of the palace of Shushan. The cooks are preparing for the never ending feasts and discover and relate how Vashti and Esther are role models of women who stand up to their fears for the sake of their values.
Shavuot
“Wither Thou Goest”
In this dramatic interpretation of the story of Ruth and Naomi you will relive the lives of those under judges, recall the times when you had to leave a place and be with Ruth when she leaves home.
“Warts an’ All”
The play starts with a conversation between folks who, like Naomi know what it’s like to turn bitter. Then they take on the roles of Ruth, Naomi and Boaz and together with the audience move from one life chapter to the next and try to find their footing in their new surroundings. Ruth finds Boaz’s feet and a love story unfolds under the blankets.
Passover
“Bravery or Craziness”
Reading between the lines of the Haggadah this I-P portrays the stories and bold actions of brave women in the Passover tale and incorporates the dialogue of 4 different kind of children.
“Ger’s Mission”
This highly entertaining family Inter-Play is perfect for the seder. Meet Ger from another planet who visits the Kohen family at the end of their Passover meal and requires knowledge and an object from the table to take back with him. The story of Passover is retold through the questions of Ger and the children.
Post Passover
“The Bones of Joseph”
Who carried the bones of Joseph out of Egypt? Legacy is the theme of this I-P and the power of story to keep dreams alive. This Torah based drama invites the audience to think about those things in our lives which have history and promise.
Yom Kippur
“Jonah Recalled”
Where is Jonah today? Jonah is summoned to appear at his own trial and a few surprising witnesses give evidence. In his defense and to our delight he delivers a shocking diatribe in the final scene which is appropriate to our world today.
Shabbat
“The First Time”
In this lively yet profound E-T Inter-Play four seasoned Shabbat Queens encourage a newly graduated Shabbat princess to pay her first visit to a grandparent and child on Friday night during the chanting of the song L’Cha Dodi. This I-P reveals the beauty of that moment when we individually welcome the shabbat queen and yet are aware too that her presence is felt worldwide.
Hannukah
“Keep the Oil Burning”
In this play you will become acquainted with the family and dilemma of Deborah. Discover how one woman’s choice to move to Israel today compares to the traditional Hannukah story.
“The Story of Hannah K”
Finding light and heat is the theme in this environmentally friendly I-P. Rabbi Kohen, Hannah K’s father, retells the story of Hannukah in an interactive rhyme and reveals a secret to Hannah which prompts her to look for light in the life around her.
Books
“Joy Comes in the Morning” Jonathan Rosen
Marriage is the theme, the bride and groom from very different worlds with an old man’s tallit the bond between them. Based on the novel of the same name, this I-P ends with an original niggun based on the 30th psalm: “Sadness may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning”
“Coming Together, Coming Apart” Daniel Gordis
The theme of this play is choices. Interwoven with the danger of the second intifada this I-P is a highly interactive and passionate story about a woman who chooses between her job and family in America or a new life in Israel.
“I just read your Warts an’ All. It is really wonderful. You
have invented a new form of PLAY. I love the way you have the actors gently squabble and flirt, and the way you open up the story, and especially the way you have made it so available to this audience.” Alicia Ostriker
Through Inter-Plays, Peter and Elizabeth have opened the doors by inviting the audience to actively participate in the performance. As the story-line unravels, our own congregants and students became part of the play, sharing their thoughts and their own stories. What a wonderful way to keep children and adults thoroughly engaged and constantly thinking! Peter and Elizabeth demonstrate amazing skills in being able to incorporate the audience's thoughts and reactions into the formal script. Congregants were talking about their Inter-Play experiences for several weeks thereafter! Joanne, Principal
