Eight days after birth, male Jewish babies have a bris, a ceremonial removal of the foreskin. For Elena (Jewish) and James’ (gentile) new child, eight days after birth is Thanksgiving. In the midst of planning a dinner and religious covenant, Elena and James must navigate their marriage with the (unhelpful) help of Elena’s mother, James’ father and sister, their horrible first son, and the mohel who’s origin story is quite cutting.
Between the green bean casserole, Jewish prayers, and machetes, The Thanksgiving Circumcision asks: What the f*** is up with tradition?
The Thanksgiving Circumcision premiered at the Premier Premier’s Festival in 2015, with a production run that Fall. There was a workshop reading in 2017 at Red Twist Theatre.