Philadelphia Premiere
By David Ives
Directed by Charles McMahon
October 6 - November 12, 2011

As the Inquisition bears down on them, a small Jewish community flees Portugal to find a tenuous peace in seemingly liberal Amsterdam. But Spinoza, a favorite son of the community and the rabbi's heir apparent, is a revolutionary thinker. When the boldness of his ideas strains the bounds of Amsterdam's professed tolerance, it leads to a dangerous confrontation between powerful political forces and his own beloved community. Based on true events in the life of one of the greatest philosophers in history, this recent off-Broadway hit from playwright David Ives challenges traditional political and religious thinking with conviction, passion, and wit.

"People come to New Jerusalem because it asks, via Spinoza and his interrogators, the Big Questions, the eternal questions – and asks them dramatically, in a human story." –Playwright David Ives  read the interview

"A play about Spinoza is a curtain-raiser for Lantern Theater [Company]" –Philadelphia Inquirer  read the article

"What would an Ives play be without its humor? The language is littered with lancing and spiked spins even as the issues of theological defiance and devilishly argued arraignments of belief and faith befall one and all." –Jewish Exponent  read the article

"An absorbing debate over big ideas. You'll be surprised by this serious, intense drama." –Philadelphia Inquirer  more

"A lively and inspiring debate." –Philadelphia City Paper  more

"A first-rate production of a literate and often eloquent play. Lantern Theater [Company]'s production does full justice to David Ives's challenging play of ideas." –Broad Street Review  more

"An engaging courtroom drama full of complex philosophical ideas... Go see New Jerusalem." –Philadelphia Jewish Voice  more

"Compelling... Beautifully directed by Charles McMahon." –Examiner.com  more