With her current production veteran Jewish theatre director Moira Blumenthal  renews her commitment  in bringing quality Jewish theatre to Sydney audiences. MY NAME IS ASHER LEV (2009) is the second play by American playwright Aaron Posner that she has directed, following on from The Chosen (1999). Both Posner works are stage adaptations of novels by the much revered American Jewish author Chaim Potok.

This bittersweet play set in Brooklyn in the late 1940s tells a very old story extremely well. Asher, a sensitive, artistically gifted boy grows up in a very conservative, religious, middle-class environment. He grows into an intelligent, articulate young man who wants to fulfill his artistic potential which sees him clash with his parents. Asher finds out that there is no way out but through…The rewards in this fine production can be found in Posner’s deft, poignant writing and in the quality of the performances.

Veteran performer John O’Hare gives an exemplary performance in the leading role, displaying great stage craft. He is as convincing playing Asher as a high spirited young boy as  he is in playing him as a reflective adult, sharing his thoughts  directly with the audience.

Annie Byron impresses in the angst ridden, ‘meat in the sandwich’ role of Rivkeh, on one hand trying to empathise with her son and his wish to pursue an artistic career whilst on the other hand being very mindful that, in orthodox Judaism, a son must take the advice of his father Aryeh. Aryeh wants Asher to focus his energies on service to religion rather his artistic pursuits. Byron also plays a number of other minor roles, least convincing in the role of a nubile young woman posing for Asher. This drew some laughter from the audience, some light relief in all the drama.

I very much enjoyed Tim McGarry’s performance in a range of roles. McGarry was excellent as Aryeh, conveying his character’s commitment and devotion to his faith. Another highlight was his portrayal of Asher’s brusque, uncompromising art tutor  Kahn.

Hugh O’Connor’s set serves as the Lev’s family home as well as well as representing a number of other different places. O’Connor’s period costume design also worked well.

Recommended, MY NAME IS ASHUR LEV, Aaron Posner’s stage adaptation of the Chaim Potok novel, is playing the Eternity Playhouse, Darlinghurst until Sunday 29 May. Performance times are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 7.30pm. There are also matinee performances on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11am and Sundays at 2pm.