Easy Lenny Lazmon and the Great Western Ascension,

Description

80 pages
$13.95
ISBN 0-88754-588-2
DDC C812'.54

Year

2000

Contributor

Reviewed by David E. Kemp

David E. Kemp, a former professor of drama at Queen’s University, is
the author of The Pleasures and Treasures of the United Kingdom.

Review

This play, which won four Dora awards (including outstanding new play)
in 1998–99, tells the story of a would-be Jewish cowboy and his female
sidekick who are searching for a vague promised land. As they head west
on an abandoned desert road, they cross paths with a lonely and
mysterious old rancher and his scarred and seemingly deranged wife. The
encounter gives the travelers insight into the aspirations and dangers
of their quest.

Underlying the surface narrative is an ambitious exploration of Western
expansion, Jewish history, and ancient religious traditions—especially
the mysterious trappings of Kabbalism, a mystic offshoot of the Jewish
faith. Piatigorsky, who studied religion and theatre at Brown
University, has written a play that challenges and rewards in equal
measure.

Citation

Piatigorsky, Anton., “Easy Lenny Lazmon and the Great Western Ascension,,” Canadian Book Review Annual Online, accessed December 14, 2024, https://cbra.library.utoronto.ca/items/show/8541.