In Duty Bound

Synopsis:

Jack, the son of Holocaust survivors, Fania and Simkeh, announces at the Shabbat dinner table that he has a non-Jewish girlfriend, Christine, and all hell breaks loose.

Simkeh, upon meeting with Christine, uses the Holocaust as a lever via which to break up the relationship.

Ten years later, the chickens come home to roost.

Hilarious and moving by turns, In Duty Bound represents a powerful plea for tolerance.

Character Breakdown:

Nine-hander:  4 males, 5 females:
FANIA  62
SIMKEH  65
JACK  29
MORDECAI  63
GIZA  60
LENNY  32
SUZY  30
HANNAH  26
CHRISTINE  28

Production History:
Premiere  1979.  Melbourne Theatre Co., Atheneum 2 Theatre.
Other Productions   1980.  Melbourne Theatre Co., Russell St. Theatre.
1982.  Perth.  National Theatre at the Playhouse.
1983.  Sydney.  Marian St. Theatre.
1984.  Brisbane.  Queensland Theatre Co.
1990.  Melbourne.  St. Martin’s Theatre.
1991.  Melbourne.  National Theatre.
1993.  Sydney.  Christopher Cummings at Bondi Pavilion.

Publication  1983.  Yackandandah Playscripts.

Reviews:

“We have a new playwright.’
Geoffrey Hutton, The Australian.

“.. splendid piece of tragi-comedy.. a fine contemporary work of art.. rich in persuasion, humour and pathos.. a play for all seasons”
Laurie Landray, The Herald

“.. a brave and difficult play.. often very funny and sometimes very moving.. really should not be missed.. a remarkable achievement..”
Nadine Amadio, Sunday Telegraph

“.. funny, moving and honest..  definitely worth seeing..”
Colin Menzies, On Stage

“.. well-written, well-constructed, thought-provoking family drama.. with warmth, humour and compassion..
Brian Hoad, The Bulletin

“.. Dr Elisha wields a mean and accurate scalpel..”
Leonard Radic, The Age

“.. a strong and well-written play.. both moving and funny..”
Mardy Amos, The Australian

“.. totally absorbing.. very, very funny.. fresh and disturbing..”
John Hindle, Sunday Observer

“.. Elisha’s strength is his perception of truth shrouded in the guise of humour..”
Al Irvine, Theatre Notes

“.. does not pull any punches.. exhausting, yet totally gripping..”
Hugo Leschen, The Melbourne Report

Running-time: 100 minutes.

This play exists only in hard copy:  ISBN 0 86805 019 9