Produced in Association with
NATHAN THE WISE
MARCH 16-APRIL 10, 2022
Written by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing
Adapted by Michael Bloom
Directed by Adam Immerwahr
Produced in Association with Folger Theatre
AN 18TH-CENTURY SHAKESPEAREAN FABLE
In 12th century Jerusalem, Jews, Christians, and Muslims live side by side in peace—or so they hope. As tensions rise, the ruling sultan asks: “Which religion is the one most beloved by G-d?” Lives, and the future of Jerusalem itself, are on the line as the brilliant Jewish merchant Nathan seeks to answer the question. This funny and timely 18th-century Shakespearean play is chock full of mistaken identities, foiled romances, and relationships across cultural and religious divides. Michael Bloom’s smart new adaptation celebrates the common humanity that unites us all.
“A moving story that speaks, as you might guess, to conflicts that roil the world today.” – New York Times
A limited number of socially-distanced seats are available through Patron Experience at (202) 777-3268 for the following performances only:
Saturday, April 9 at 8:00PM
Sunday, April 10 at 7:30PM
Note: this production will include fog, haze and explosions.
Run Time:
Act One: 60 minutes
Intermission: 15 minutes
Act Two: 60 minutes
Cast (In Order of Appearance)
Templar Drew Kopas*
Rachel Em Whitworth
Al-Hafi Sorab Wadia*
Daya Jo Twiss*
Nathan Eric Hissom*
Friar James J. Johnson*
Sittah Sarah Corey*
Salah ad-Din Maboud Ebrahimzadeh*
The Patriarch John Lescault*
Artistic & Production Team
Director: Adam Immerwahr^
Set Design: Paige Hathaway+
Costume Design: Ivania Stack+
Lighting Design: Colin K. Bills+
Sound Design: Sarah O’Halloran
Props Design: Pamela Weiner
Choreographer: Amanda Herring
Cultural Competency Consultant: Adam Ashraf Elsayigh
Casting Director: Jenna Place
NYC Casting: Calleri Jensen Davis
Production Stage Manager: Anthony O. Bullock*
Assistant Stage Manager: Carrie Edick
Assistant Stage Manager/COVID-19 Safety Officer: Taylor Kiechlin
+Member of United Scenic Artists Local 829
*Appearing through an Agreement between this theatre and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
^The Director is a Member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union
Production Angels
Howard Berger and Linda Goldsmith
Andrea Boyarsky-Maisel
Susan and Dixon Butler
Bonnie and Louis Cohen
Myrna Fawcett
David and Patricia Fisher
Cheryl Gorelick
Meg and John Hauge
Karen Lehmann-Eisner
Dianne and Herb Lerner
Marion Ein Lewin
Ellen and Gary Malasky
Carl and Undine Nash
M. Craig Pascal, In Memory of Victor Shargai
Patricia Payne and Nancy Firestone
Nancy and Saul Pilchen
Barney Shapiro and Susan Walker
Dr. Stuart Sotsky
Beyond the Stage
Theater J is dedicated to taking its dialogues beyond the stage, offering public discussion forums which explore the theatrical, cultural, and social elements of our art throughout the year. Below are the events planned during the run of Nathan the Wise. All events are free and open to everyone. Guests and times subject to change.
Sunday, March 27 following the 2:00 PM performance
Creative Conversation: An insider’s reflection on the creative process. Theater J artists from each production answer questions and offer insight about design, inspiration, rehearsal, and collaboration.
Wednesday, March 30 following the 7:30 PM performance
Cast Talkback: Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be an actor or to perform on stage at Theater J? Well, here’s your chance! Join members of the cast to ask your burning questions about their artistic practice and the production. Moderated by Kevin Place.
Sunday, April 3 following the 2:00 PM performance
Sunday Symposium: Hear from experts on topics related to each production. Equal part lecture and conversation, Theater J invites specialists in their fields—doctors, historians, theologians, activists—to delve deeper into the significance of a play’s history, cultural context, or theme.
Stage Director Talk: Nathan the Wise
Thursday, March 17, 2022, 6:30 pm | Ticket: $20
Adam Immerwahr, director of Nathan the Wise, shares creative insights into the production.
Pre-Show Talk: Nathan the Wise
Thursday, March 31, 2022, 6:30 pm | Ticket: $20
Folger Shakespeare Library Director Michael Witmore shares his perspective on Nathan the Wise, written by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing and adapted by Michael Bloom, in an insightful pre-performance discussion.
Post-Show Talk with Members of the Cast:
Nathan the Wise
Thursday, March 31, 2022, following the 8:00 pm performance | Free Event
Join members of the cast for a post-show discussion about Nathan the Wise. Free, following the 8pm performance.