Return
Playing at the Edgemar Center for the Arts in Santa Monica, Return is an inspirational musical based on Sonia Levitin’s award-winning book The Return. Her book, as well as the musical for which she also wrote the book and lyrics, was inspired by the true story of “Operation Moses,” the secret airlift in 1984 and 1985 that rescued 8,000 Ethiopian Jews from persecution.
The history of the Jews in Ethiopia is a tragic story. In the fourth century, those who refused to convert to Christianity were persecuted and moved to the mountainous region of Gondar where they lived for more than 2000 years. In the tenth century, they were left in peace for approximately 350 years, but by the 17th century, they lost all independence in a final battle when their forces were defeated in a war. They faced years of suffering, their lands confiscated and, for some time, were forbidden to practice Judaism. Finally, in 1769, Scottish explorer James Bruce discovered the demoralized Ethiopian Jews when he chanced upon them as he was on an exploration, after which, missionaries persuaded many to try to leave for Jerusalem. Countless were doomed, but some were successful in their attempt. From 1930 to 1974 (the reign of Haile Selassie), they were blamed for all misfortunes and unable to own land. When
Selassie lost power, thousands were killed and many more were left homeless. Some tried to flee the country, but if caught, were arrested and tortured.
Return is the story of a teen-aged girl Desta (Terry Norman) and her people, descendents of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, who live in a mountain village in Ethiopia. For years they have been persecuted and hated by the government and other Africans. They are just able to survive. But after a white couple, Rabbi Menachem (Jayson Kraid) and his wife Barbara (Ms. Christopher Callen) unexpectedly come upon the community, they are offered hope of escape and begin to think of fleeing to Sudan to wait to be rescued to Israel. To do so will be a tremendous undertaking; the mountains are difficult to travel, the roads are filled with soldiers and bandits, there is risk of being attacked and taken prisoner, disease and starvation. But Destra is persuaded by her brother Joas ((Jemel Nadia) to join a small group risking the escape. Over the difficult journey that brings sickness, loss and death, Destra’s
courage triumphs in the end. Beautifully written and beautifully performed, it is directed and choreographed by Tony-
Award winning choreographer, Donald McKayle, (wonderful dance numbers) with moving music by William Kevin Anderson. This fabulous production is the epitome of courage performed by a unique and talented cast that includes Marcella Lewis, Jerry Baxter, Renda Pettis, Anthony Salas, Paula Bellamy-Franklin, Tim Brown, Ed Tillman, Clent Bowers, Steve Yudson, Stasha Surdyke, Tony lll Lorich. Jordan Jax, Nicolea Pettis, Cara McGee and Jermaine Johnson. Plays through June 29 and again July 10 through July 20.
Edgemar Center for the Arts
2437 Main St.
Santa Monica, CA