Two Jews Walk Into a War…
by Seth Rozin
Directed by Rebekah Scallet and Aaron Sparks
New Jewish Theatre
July 24, 2025
Gary Glasgow, Chuck Winning
Photo by Jon Gitchoff
New Jewish Theatre
The latest production from the New Jewish Theatre isn’t a long play, but it has a lot to say in it’s relatively brief running time. Featuring two excellent local performers and inspired by a true story, Two Jews Walk Into a War… takes an intriguing approach to its premise of two characters who don’t get along being essentially forced to work together in a hostile environment. And it’s a comedy, making for an intriguing and fascinating exploration of important topics and mixing its humor with poignancy and depth.
The story begins with Ishaq (Gary Glasgow) and Zeblyan (Chuck Winning) standing beside a coffin in an otherwise empty synagogue as the occasional sound of gunfire can be heard from outside. Soon, we find out that their mutual friend and mentor has recently died, leaving a note entrusting the synagogue to them, the last two Jews in Kabul, Afghanistan. The problem is that these two men are not only very different–they hate each other. Despite their constant bickering and mutual dislike, however, they are forced to unite in a common goal, which is to regrow the Jewish population in the city. They also decide that their goal requires a new Torah for the synagogue, since their last one was stolen. The plan seems simple at first–the older, devout Ishaq will recite the Torah from memory, but since his hands are shaky, the younger, less studious Zeblyan will find the parchment needed and write down the words as Ishaq dictates.
The process may seem simple, but in practice it turns out to be more complicated than either man could have predicted, as their contrasting personalities, mutual dislike, and the ensuing debates that occur as Zeblyan inevitably questions what he’s writing down becomes the fodder for comedy, as well as reflection on the state of life in Kabul, along with the history of the Jewish community there and the reasons the two have decided to stay while their friends and loved ones have left. Their discussions include the nature of faith and belief in a God who allows the kind of suffering they and their ancestors and fellow Jews have experienced over the centuries. The dialogue is sharp and quick-witted, and the characters are well-drawn, with both men coming across as stubborn and persistent even though they don’t have a lot in common otherwise, although the process of working toward their mutual goal carries an implied promise of a growing understanding of one another–that is, if they can listen through all the bickering and missteps along the way.
The characters make this play what it is, which is thought-provoking and frequently hilarious, and the two actors give top-notch performances. Glasgow brings a quiet determination and decided air of resolution to the role of Ishaq, who is the more “traditonal” of the two. Winning, for his part, brings energy and presence to the role of the more modern-minded, frequently questioning Zeblyan. The friction between these two very different men is made clear in the performances, but so is their mutual determination, which just might bring them closer together if they let it. It’s a dynamic-duo type of performance, with each actor energizing the other and adding to the overall tension and humor of the play. All the various debates give the audience something to think about in the midst of the laughter, as well, and the pace is brisk while giving the marvelous actors time to portray their characters with crisp comic timing and reflective insight as needed.
Lily Tomasic’s detailed set, as is usual for NJT, is well realized and lends an air of authenticity to the story, as do Michele Friedman Siler’s excellent costumes. There’s also notable work in lighting by Michael Sullivan and sound by Kareem Deanes in creating and maintaining the mood and atmosphere, especially in the form of the tense environment of war-torn Kabul.
A comedy set in the middle of a war zone may seem odd, but this one works especially well considering the memorable characters and strong performances. It’s also likely to bring authentic tears along with the laughter. It’s a fine example of thoughtful, thought-provoking theatre from this company.
Chuck Winning, Gary Glasgow
Photo by Jon Gitchoff
New Jewish Theatre
The New Jewish Theatre is presenting Two Jews Walk Into a War… at the J’s Wool Studio Theatre until August 10, 2025
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