4 minute read
Ali Viterbi’s “In Every Generation” premiers at SD REP
ou are invited to take a magic carpet ride
Ythrough the ages and into the future with In Every Generation. Celebrate Passover with the Levi-Katz family, exploring their ever-changing dynamic in 1416 BCE, 1954, 2019, and as if in a time capsule we move to a dystopian 2050. in this brilliantly written play by Ali Viterbi, experience these multi layered characters as they shine through her insightful writing. Although traditions are honored, questions of race, religion and inter-generational issues surface. Several languages are spoken, including Hebrew, Italian and English. As the family reenacts the exodus from Egypt, generations redefine themselves as the family wonders, “Will we ever be free?” and “Must we define ourselves through trauma?” Viterbi expressed how ideas about ourselves have provided the foundation for truth, leading the journey from oppression to freedom. She described how the sisters in the play exemplify freedom both metaphorically and physically. Often through fighting, tension and arguing with strong language, this dynamic resonates heavily with many of us. Over centuries, our culture has faced many daunting choices.
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In Every Generation focuses on several elements, highlighting how we can learn from the past, incorporating Jewish traditions, accepting and embracing change as we continue to evolve as Jews in a world which at times appears overwhelming and confusing. How did Viterbi cultivate such depth, creativity, perception and curiosity about Judaism, while realizing her dream as a playwright, television writer and educator? Her response was eloquent and heartwarming, as she related how important multi generational relationships are such a vital part of her life. From a young age, her parents and grandparents encouraged her to create and live her dreams. A strong belief in family and caring for older family members was instilled early on. Her family is both Ashkenazi and Sephardic, speaking Italian and
Hebrew, with a mixture of traditions and cuisine from both cultures. Many generations ago, Viterbi’s great, great, great grandfather traveled from Lithuania to Ireland and became the first Irish Rabbi! Attending the San Diego Jewish Academy, K through 12, she learned how important it was to stand up proudly as a Jew and to see the world through a Jewish prism. How did Viterbi arrive at the concept for In Every Generation and what was her intent, we asked? As Viterbi attended a family Passover, a few years ago, topics such as the Exodus, anti-Semitism and the Charlottesville
March, created a strong impact encouraging her to cultivate this multi-generational story of challenges, oppression and freedom.
In Every Generation, Viterbi shared how one is obligated to see oneself, as though one has personally left Egypt. She related how a radical empathy line was formed with ritual from our past to the future, including a mystical element.
Due to the pandemic our world has been shut down for nearly two years, another form of oppression and finally we are opening again, a blessing.
In her Artistic Statement, Viterbi eloquently describes how storytelling can foster community. She utilizes the concept of a minyan, in Judaism a quorum of 10 people required for public worship, teaching us we cannot rise to our greatest spiritual potential alone.
“Like the minyan, theater fights unreservedly against loneliness, demanding that the audience actively engage in compassion to seek meaning. As a playwright, I want audiences to feel part of a minyan — a community actively resisting the loneliness of being alive. This idea extends to my firm belief in a theater of compassion, one that constantly drives towards empathy and understanding. I seek to create theater that speaks to the generosity of the human spirit. My plays celebrate the present and the future. Whether depicting Jewish refugees or sorority girls, my plays give voices to everyday, human stories that have hitherto been silenced or stereotyped. They mine and explore the daily triumphs and tragedies of the uniquely feminine American experience. I also seek to redefine and sculpt the contemporary Jewish narrative, using Jewish history and spirituality to transform our preconceptions of “Jewish theater.”
“How is this night different from all other nights?” Viterbi allows the audience to explore this concept from many viewpoints, often utilizing time as a vehicle. Each of us is left to decide not only how this night is different, but how to form and shape all other nights from a Jewish and humanitarian perspective.
In Every Generation is a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere. It has already premiered at Victory Gardens Theater and will soon run at the San Diego REP and Olney Theatre Center. Viterbi’s plays include Period Sisters, Shame Spiral, The World to Come.
Ali has developed projects in TV and was a member of the 2020/2021 Geffen Playhouse Writers’ Room. She is also the associate artistic director of the annual Lipinsky Family San Diego Jewish Arts Festival.
Ali’s work has been developed and/or commissioned by Geffen Playhouse. The Kennedy Center/NNPN, La Jolla Playhouse, Round House Theatre, San Diego REP, HERE Arts Center, The Barrow Group and North Coast Repertory Theatre, among others.
