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1960

I'm Talking About Jerusalem

Written by Arnold Wesker

Play Details

Context

Artistic Director: George Devine
Main House (Downstairs)

Dates Performed

Wednesday 27th July 1960
Main House (Downstairs)

Play Details

Synopsis

Ronnie Kahn is a spirited idealist driven by dreams of creating a utopian community. Leaving behind the bustling city of London, he moves with his sister Ada Simmonds, her husband Dave, and their mother Sarah Kahn to rural Norfolk. Their journey begins in 1946, full of hope and the promise of a new beginning. As they settle into their new home, they are joined by friends and other characters like the pragmatic Colonel Dewhurst and the young apprentice Sammy, who add layers of complexity to their endeavour.

As the years pass, the family grapples with the harsh realities of rural life and the relentless passage of time. Their utopian dreams are challenged by practical difficulties, personal losses, and societal pressures. Dave Simmonds’s reflections on his role as an artist and craftsman underscore the tension between individual aspirations and communal needs. Through vibrant dialogues and evocative scenes, Wesker delves into themes of idealism versus realism, the importance of community, and the enduring human spirit. The play poignantly captures the gap between dreams and reality, highlighting the resilience and hope that fuel the characters’ quest for a better world.

Director(s)

John Dexter

Poster credit

Poster courtesy of V&A Theatre and Performance Archive

Photo credit

All photographs are credited to Sandra Lousada

Cast & Creative

Mark Eden
Ruth Meyers
David Saire
Kathleen Michael
Jessie Robbins
Cherry Morris
Frank Finlay
John Colin
Terry Palmer
Michael Philips
Alan Howard
Charles Kay

Designer

Jocelyn Herbert

More from the Wesker Trilogy

Chicken Soup With Barley

Chicken Soup With Barley

1958

Arnold Wesker

Roots

Roots

1967

Arnold Wesker


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