A solo play, "Picking Up Stones: An American Jew's Moral Dilemma" written and performed by Sandra Laub

Before October 7th, 2023, Sandra Laub, a multi-talented individual in acting, playwriting, and education, presented her solo play "Picking Up Stones: An American Jew's Moral Dilemma". This play conveyed the inner struggle of a liberal American Jew who criticized right-wing Israeli policies. However, after the tragic Oct 7th Hamas massacre where 1200 Israeli citizens lost their lives, and the subsequent war in Gaza by Israel, Laub reworked her play to embody new voices and perspectives that emerged in the aftermath of the tragedy, grief, anger, and fear.

Her revised play, "Picking Up Stones: An American Jew Wakes To a Nightmare", reflects Laub's response to the Israel/Hamas war and its consequences. In this 90-minute one-woman/many-voices play, she occupies the stage to portray diverse viewpoints. Laub's work received the "Artists 4 Artists" award at the Providence Fringe Festival, as fellow theater artists recognized the play's significance and advocated for it to reach a larger audience.

As an American Jew, Laub skillfully represents various voices grappling with the aftermath of the Hamas attack and raises thought-provoking questions. She challenges whether the world can empathize with both innocent Israelis and Palestinians, and how the victims from both sides can embark on a journey of healing. Moreover, she explores the evolving connection of American Jews with Israel post the pivotal date of 10.7.

The play sheds light on the mounting civilian casualties in Gaza due to Israel's perceived need to eliminate Hamas for its survival. This, in turn, has led to a surge in Antisemitism and Islamophobia globally. In the United States, the political spectrum becomes deeply divided, sparking heated debates on the streets and campuses. Meanwhile, the Middle East transforms to capture the world's attention. Sandra's portrayal captures universal emotions within this chaotic sequence of events.

You can catch the performance of "Picking Up Stones: An American Jew Wakes to a Nightmare" on Saturday, October 5th at 3 PM at the Channing Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church, 135 Pelham Street, Newport, RI (off Bellevue Ave). Tickets are available in advance and at the door for $20 for general admission. After the show, there will also be a discussion with the performer/playwright.