THE MELTING POT by Israel Zangwill

Theatre Ariel and Philadelphia Artists’ Collective present THE MELTING POT. In 1908, Zangwill’s play helped popularize the idea of America as a great “melting pot”, and Theodore Roosevelt hailed the work as a “great play.” Now, Theatre Ariel partners with Philadelphia Artists’ Collective to bring Zangwill’s play back to life. It tells the story of David, a young Jewish-Russian immigrant, who is working on a symphony inspired by America’s welcoming of people from all over the world. But his dreams for America’s future may be derailed when he encounters nightmares from his Russian past. Can America truly be a fresh start? Will he be able to actually live the ideals of his music?

Presented as part of AMERICA 250.