Inspired by a true story, Faygele solemnly recounts the story of a young Jewish boy growing up as gay in a community that does not accept who he is.
Ilan Galkoff plays Ari Freed, and Faygele (which means faggot in Yiddish) opens up with Ari speaking about his life, with a coffin in the middle of the room, and a photo of Ari as a young boy. At this point we know that Ari is no longer alive. So Faygele brilliantly, and emotionally, recounts his young life and the people around him who don’t accept him. Ben Caplan and Clara Francis brilliantly play his parents Dr and Mrs. Freed. Andrew Paul plays Rabbi Lev while Yiftach Mizrahi is the older gay role model Sammy Stein who provides advice and wisdom.
But as Ari talks about his short life, the show goes back and forth from a younger Ari to a teenage Ari who is attracted to men from a young age but with parents who not only don’t accept but condemn his lifestyle. His mother is totally under her husband’s thumb, while Rabbi Lev lends a passionate ear but can only provide guidance and not resolve the issue at hand. Faygele packs an emotional and powerful punch in its short 90 minutes, Galkoff wins us over as Ari. While a couple of the scenes are a bit preachy, Faygele is haunting and will leave an impression on you long after you leave the theatre. It’s brilliant and a must-see.
Faygele is now at the Marylebone Theatre until May 13st.