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Northlight Theatre and Theater Wit have joined forces to bring Joshua Harmon's "Prayer for the French Republic" to Chicago audiences. Northlight Artistic Director BJ Jones interviewed Theater Wit Artistic Director Jeremy Wechsler about the collaboration and the significance of the play.
Wechsler expressed admiration for Harmon's ability to address unresolved community tensions through drama, citing his previous works like "Bad Jews," "Skintight," and "Admissions." He noted that "Prayer for the French Republic" is their most ambitious project yet, necessitating a partnership with Northlight. Reflecting on past collaborations, he mentioned, “I thought, ‘Man, BJ really loves this play. And thinks his audience will love it.’—that it clicked.”
The play's setting in 2016 is intentional, as Wechsler explained: “Prayer was written in response to specific events: the Charlie Hebdo bombing (and subsequent supermarket shootings) and a surge of antisemitic incidents in France culminating with Sarah Halimi’s 2017 murder.” Harmon decided against revising the play despite recent geopolitical events, believing that incorporating them would detract from its focus.
Directorially, Wechsler emphasized extensive research into historical contexts such as the Vichy government era. He described Harmon’s work as requiring deep understanding but ultimately engaging viewers through character-driven narratives. “None of this background is necessary for the viewer,” he said. “It motivates the characters, who then have sharp and hilarious arguments.”
Addressing the play's timeliness, Wechsler remarked on its personal nature over political themes: “Its central question is simple: Am I safe here?” This resonates amid current socio-political climates reminiscent of past fascist movements. He recalled a conversation with Harmon after a synagogue shooting where Harmon observed, “To be Jewish in America is to be White. Until you are not.”
The production aims to provoke dialogue about safety and identity within cultural minorities as contemporary issues persist.
