The Golem

on a cattle car headed toward Prague

It has been said that it takes a village to raise a child, but it takes a finely tuned ensemble to create a Golem. Such a group can be found at EgoPo working out of the 2^nd floor of the Prince Theater on Broad Street. A Golem is a character from Jewish lore that is created out of mud to protect or serve. A talented assemblage of actors and musicians created the piece that appears on the stage, including Genevieve Perrier, Dave Jadico, Kevin Chick, Lorna Howley, Ross Beschler, Sarah Schol, Griffin Stanton-Ameisen and Josh Totora.  After months of research they have designed three scenarios that recount the tale of the Golem as told by characters on a cattle car heading out of Prague. Each tale is unique. One uses Czech inspired puppets to tell how the Golem protects the Jewish people from the evil priest in cases of blood libel, where Jews were accused of killing Christian children and using their blood to make matzo for Passover.  Another employs original Klezmer music and dance to set the mood for a story of a Rabbi who is more involved with his Golem than with his wife. The third piece deals with another aspect of Golem lore… What happens when things run amok and the Golem refuses to listen?  Although fascinating to watch this cluster of talent on stage, the show might have been a bit more cohesive if a blackout were to occur between each individual tale.   Matthew Miller’s set is very effective as the painted red slats and small window give the appearance of a freight train or cattle car.  This impression is further enhanced when sliding doors open to reveal people behind them sitting on their suitcases with big yellow Jewish stars pinned on their clothes.  For a truly exceptional experience, EgoPo is inviting audiences join them in Passover Seders on the first and second nights of Passover, April 6^th and 7^th at the Prince Music Theatre. For information on these nights or any other performances, call 800-595-4TIX or visit online at www.egopo.org.