Review: ‘If I Forget,’ Clashing Currents in Jewish Identity

I saw If I Forget this afternoon. I thought that the acting was superb especially the lines delivered by Sharon and Michael. The young son also added to the playfulness of the script. As per usual, this play depicts sibling rivalry and inheritance issues. The family wasn't particularly religious, but they did seem to have inherent Jewish feelings and identity. I thought the ending was significant noting for if we don't practice some sort of religion and traditions, all that has happened will dissipate and become consumed by the sand.

I definitely enjoyed this play and found it thought-provoking. Moreover, I am still thinking about it, unlike so many things which are immediately forgotten. The complexities of families, where love is intertwined with jealousy and resentment, was well depicted. The sadness of adolescent mental illness was a theme of significance and the emotional response of the young cousin to his "only cousin's" illness was touching and poignant. The relationships of the three siblings were complex and meaningful and their varying responses to Judaism made for an interesting intersection of opinions. I was glad to have been exposed to the Fischers in all their various permutations.

Saw this today and thought it was terrific. The entire cast was wonderful, with Jeremy Shamos the standout. Like a couple of other commenters here, I, too, was reminded of The Humans, another play that presented a heartrending moment in which an ailing parent, unable to clearly communicate, cries/lashes out in anguish. I would have enjoyed attending a performance with a talk-back afterword, as there are so many things to discuss.

after reading his NY times article about protesting, I have my doubts about this writer. He seems pretentious, right off, and that always sends a red flag my way. I know, you won't print this in the comments section. Keep it safe right?

Saw this in previews: REMARKABLE! Do not miss

On par with The Humans--which grabbed my Irish/Catholic side,
and this play--which captured my Viennese Jewish heritage.

With the desecration of Jewish cemeteries, and bomb threats arriving at Synagogues, what could be more timely?

2 1/2 hours and then Oxymandias. Bleak, without the style of a Beckett. No warmth, no hope. Some laugh lines but they're bitter.

The review is accurate. Good moments, but filled with moments that serve the drama, but are inexplicable, such as a bright professor publishing an incendiary
book BEFORE he's obtained tenure. A character flaw not explained.

I loved this play. Yes, there is some clunky plot points, but for an evening of laughter AND introspection, this piece is worth experience. The actors are simply magnificent.

I read this with interest and sadness. I'm Jewish and from a typical dysfunctional American Jewish family. My brothers and sister and I are from the last century. Our parents, both are veterans of World War II were good Jews. But, our kids are a mess. They don't understand who we are or why. I wish I could write a play about our family. Strained relations is more than just words. My son announced earlier this week that god and religion are bogus. He also said he doesn't want to give his two boys bar mitzvahs. He's a Penn graduate, an attorney of intellectual property in organic chemistry and pharmaceuticals earning a small fortune. I don't get it. I think my play would have more drama. There is a "great rift" between us.
Anti-Semitism is real for me. It is abstract for my children as is the Holocaust.
What should we remember? What should we forget? How do we reconcile the generations and preserve our history and traditions?
I don't know. I'm looking forward to seeing this play. "If I Forget" may end in "magical realism" but there is no magic for real families. No one would embrace my family. There are too many "layers of injury and devotion." Still, I'd like to see how the Fischer's do it.
I wonder how my grandkids will accept and practice Judaism. We're a real family "unable to agree on pretty much anything, yet still somehow in unison." Maybe we can all see this play. Maybe we can solve the problem of how to love and who we should be.

Your synopsis of the play was so compelling I shot the locks off my wallet.

Moving, funny, provocative...yes, a "kitchen sink", but one you would happly add to your top of the line domicile. The first act is absolutely first-class.

This is one of the best American plays I've seen in years.

There's a good play in here, but only if it is cut by half. Playwrights need to learn that less can be more. Life is short!

Superbly written review for an excellent play.

Does this mean that Ms. Soloski got the job?