Last night I went to see ‘This Jew Sits’, which – incidentally – was my first fringe festival show of 2016. A solo performance crafted by Sarah Reuben and Ruby Gaytime, the show takes you on a journey – sometimes an uncomfortable one – as Sarah explores her innermost psyche following the passing of her beloved grandmother.
As the title hints, Sarah is the ‘Jew’ who ‘Sits’ with her dead grandmother overnight, a Jewish tradition (and we all know Jews love tradition…) of honouring the dead. Throughout the night, locked in the morgue; unable to eat, drink, or wear sequins, Sarah becomes something of a sitting duck – confronted by her demons, her past, and Bette Midler.
To fill the time before she’s allowed out, Sarah speaks to you on a personal level; about her work, her family, dating, being a ‘bad Jew’, and shagging her bosses brother. Throughout the soliloquy, Bette is constantly on hand to dish out advice (just like her character in Beaches).
By the end of the show, Sarah has begun to come to terms with herself and her past, and understanding that sometimes it is ok to just be sad at the passing of a loved one.
All in all, I enjoyed this show – Sarah Reuben is a comic and vivacious performer, using song, dance, puppetry and humour to share this story with us, the audience.
There are only a few performances left, so book your tickets now online at www.melbournefringe.com.au. Get amongst it!
Interested in what else we recommend at the Fringe? Click here.
By Courtney White
