Atonement

Atonement is the story of satirist Elijah Stone, a Montreal-born secular Jew who moved to New York City and became a novelist after his journalistic sniping at the Quebecois and Zionism provoked outrage among his readers. Now Stone finds himself alone and in dire emotional straits – with his existence at risk – as he attempts to cope with a crushing personal loss. If he is to survive, he must confront his long-time demons: an all-consuming narcissistic bent; his obsession with infidelity; and, in this time of grief, a stubborn disenfranchisement from his ethnic roots.

Although set in contemporary New York City, the play’s action occurs in Elijah’s mind as he summons up thoughts and memories of three significant women: his wife, his mistress, and a third, mysterious foil – all in an attempt to pull himself back from the brink of insanity. But what is real? What is invention? Can Elijah regain a hold on his shattered life? In the end, Atonement is a contemplation on love and lust, art and artifice, the search for a benevolent God and the longing for redemption. At times it is laugh-provoking; at others it generates sadness or rage. But it is never static, never still.

Written by Richard Martin Hirsch, Atonement is directed by Howard Teichman.