The Rubenstein Kiss follows the revolutionary tale of Esther (Katherine Manners) and Jakob Rubenstein (Joe Coen), a couple convicted of espionage during the McCarthyite Era. The play explores the conflict between the importance of truth and a desire for revolutionary change as, faced with the option to confess and live, Jakob and Esther instead offer their lives and withhold the truth.
“Our ideas are more important than our own lives!” exclaims Jakob and we are invited to reflect upon responsibilities outside of our own lives, putting humanity before individual importance.
“Am I a selfish man because I want to live?” asks David Girschfeld, performed by the wonderfully authentic Mark Field. Caught between his allegiance to his wife and his allegiance to his sister Esther, David´s actions change not only the course of his life, but also the course of history as, unlike Esther and Jakob, he decides to tell the truth in order to save his family. As a result, history is “written on his body, stuck in the roots of his hair”.
Succinctly choreographed moving walls transform the minimalist set, with the aid of innovative lighting, into a magical weaving together of two distinct periods in the lives of David and his family.
Throughout, we therefore see characters surrounded by physical manifestations of their past which raises questions surrounding the ability, or inability, to escape personal regret in regard to previous actions when those actions have influenced the nation’s current climate.
In addition to highlighting ideologies that promote individual gain over collective consciousness, the play addresses contemporary concerns ranging from political engagement to what it means to be a man.
The Rubenstein Kiss is showing until October 17 at Nottingham Playhouse as part of the Conspiracy Season. If you are looking for an evening of high emotions combined with sociopolitical ideas, we recommend The Rubenstein Kiss.
For more information on the production:
http://www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/whats-on/drama/the-rubenstein-kiss/
4.5/5 stars
Edited by Georgina Varley
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