New York premiere

One of the most contentious plays of the 20th Century is the subject of this new work from Pulitzer Prize winner Paula Vogel (How I Learned to Drive). Indecent examines the New York production of Sholem Asch's God of Vengeance, and the huge controversy it caused within the Jewish community. Featuring popular songs of the period, this play with music is a powerful examination of the power of art to challenge the status quo. This New York premiere comes after successful runs at Yale Rep and San Diego's La Jolla Playhouse.

What is Indecent About?

Written in Yiddish, Polish writer's Sholem Asch's God of Vengeance was a daring and boundary-pushing work set in a brothel. The story follows the Jewish couple who run the establishment, whose efforts to keep their daughter from joining the family business are dashed when she falls in love with their most prized prostitute. The work was fairly well received across Europe, but upon in English language debut in 1920's New York, it caused a storm of controversy. The show was shuttered and the cast put on trial for obscenity.