REVIEW: kaddish (how to be a sanctuary) at Old Red Lion Theatre 19 - 23 May 2026
‘entertaining, characterful, and informative’ ★★★★
In Poland, in the 19th century, a very clever rabbi, understandably enraged by systematic brutality visited on his co-religionists, created a monster out of clay. This monster, animated by a scroll of Hebrew biblical text, visited vengeance on anti-semites. Purp Door Productionz have brought the creature, the Golem, to the Old Red Lion Theatre to discuss things concerning Jews in 2026.
On a stage with two tables and chairs and some geometric backdrop, the Golem is immersed in a book by Walter Benjamin when the audience comes in. He ignores us, sets up two contrasting stage-areas with the furniture, and exits; to be replaced by the author/actor Sam Sherman.
Sam proceeds to tell us two contrasting stories, crossing between tables to represent himself today and his grandfather Saul who left his journal for his descendants to discover. Saul was a GI in the second world war, a fighter against Nazis and a fighter against anti-semites but also a warrior impatient with Jews who won’t stand up for themselves. His grandson is an observer in Gaza, documenting what happens when Jews see a case for standing up for themselves regardless of consequences, regardless of humanitarian protests.
A play of two intertwined monologues detailing Jewish confusion, although neither of the characters is confused in their own right. Both men are convinced of their rectitude, both men mildly despairing of action and inaction, both men righteous, both men brave, both men articulating despair and righteousness and anger and criticism, both men eloquent, both men sardonically funny, both men admirable.
Sam Sherman doesn’t set out to glorify his time in Gaza under Israeli bombardment, he is far too self-effacing to do that, but admirable he is, not least for the honesty with which he addresses the moral dilemma of contemporary Israelis and Jews from the wider diaspora. The play is perhaps a pretext for a lecture addressing that dilemma, but it is a lecture that is entertaining, characterful, and informative. And those are all good things for a play to present; it’s a valuable and engaging hour of theatre, it is effectively thought-provoking, and the Golem comes back at the end for… reasons. He’s an intriguing clay monster whatever he’s there for.
Lila Weitzner provides unflashy but effective direction, the set and lights do what they need to do, and the show travels to Prague and points East. If it returns to London it is a discussion-piece well worth the watch.
KADDISH written and performed by Sam Sherman
Directed by Lila Weitzner
Produced by Gabriel Speechly
Instagram: @kaddishtheplay
