By Eva Trieger
CARLSBAD, California — In conjunction with the 23rd Lipinsky Family Annual San Diego Jewish Arts Festival, Rosina Reynolds becomes Golda Meir under the direction of Todd Salovey. William Gibson has been celebrated for writing the longest running one-woman Broadway show in history. The magnitude of this story of the Russian immigrant who became Israel’s first female prime minister will, no doubt, expand the walls of the cozy New Village Arts theater in Carlsbad.
Golda’s Balcony previewed this week to large and appreciative audiences, but June 6th is the actual opening. Reynolds is a vibrant, perceptive and committed actor and director who has shared her multitude of talents all over San Diego and beyond, and has worked with Salovey previously in Doubt and Women of Valor, a fabulous show that pays tribute to exceptional movers and shakers or our local community.
I was eager to know how growing up in England may have influenced Reynold’s political understanding of Israel and Meir’s efforts. “I was born in London and raised in Essex. I believe we absorb our country’s political views.” Reynolds stated that without even being aware, she had adopted British views on the division of Palestine, yet in researching a previous play, Mandate Memories, and Golda’s Balcony, realized that her views had been molded.
Reynolds shared her awe of the woman who left Russia after “nailing up boards against a pogrom” and moved first to the United States and then to a country of her own, a Jewish homeland. She spoke of Meir’s ability to listen more than she spoke, and to see all sides of a conflict. Reynold’s admired Meir’s idealism, but also saw the folly in this “double edged sword.”
When I asked Reynolds about her first impressions of Golda; could she herself in the role, the actress replied, “Are you kidding? We couldn’t be more different! Our physical stature is different and I’m a goya!” yet, the actress very successfully embodies the feisty, dynamic woman.
Through extensive research the actor told me that Golda was married to a “liberated” man. Though Morris was not a strong man, he didn’t block Golda’s soul and spirit from being independent. Further, she averred that Golda thought like a man, and cut sentimentality and emotionality to make her points heard and respected. In preparing for the role, Reynolds found the complexities in Golda, and compared them to Eleanor Roosevelt, whom she has also portrayed. Both of these acting opportunities made Reynolds feel extremely blessed. These strong, resilient women were iconic, ahead of their time.
Curious to know whether Reynolds had been to Israel, she responded that she had not, but now, it is a country she would love to explore. She is eager to see Tel Aviv, which had been a “tiny town” during Meir’s time. She wants to see the small piece of land that Meir and the Israelis fought so valiantly to secure.
What did she learn about Golda’s personality that made it logical for her to persevere? Reynold’s spoke of Meir’s idealism and commitment to Zionism. As a young girl, Golda Mabovitch had lived in Russia with her parents and sisters. Following the Russian pogroms, the family emigated.
Golda’s family moved to Milwaukee where she joined a Zionist group and attended what is today the University of Milwaukee-Wisconsin. During this time, Golda married Morris Meyerson, but later changed the name to Meir. She and her husband moved to Palestine in 1921 to fight for a Jewish homeland. Giving up her American passport, Meir became a Palestinian and the goal of creating Israel consumed her entire life.
I asked Reynolds if doing a one-woman show was more challenging than performing with multiple actors. She told me, “You can bet your bottom dollar! There is no one to bail you out if you don’t know where you’re going. It requires stamina. It’s like long distance running. But once you know the story, it’s more like a musical with dips and valleys. It’s exhilarating!”
How did she master the Russian accent or dialect, I wanted to know. With the support of Todd Salovey for Yiddish and Hebrew words, and the support of Klezmer musician, Yael Strom, Reynolds was able to master Golda’s unique speech pattern. Reynolds was quick to point out that Golda spoke English quite well, having grown up in Wisconsin, and living in American since the age of 7.
In this election year, I wondered if Reynolds believes we could use a strong female leader like Golda today. Her reply: “Any country could benefit from a strong woman leader. The voting dynamic has changed, and women bring a different perspective. Many men are threatened by strong women.” From Reynold’s lips to Trump’s ears.
This retrospective portrayal of Golda Meir’s life on the eve of the Yom Kippur war may be seen at the New Village Arts Theater in Carlsbad. Tickets are available at newvillagearts.org or by phone 760-433-3245.
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Trieger is a freelance writer who specializes in coverage of the arts. She may be contacted via eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com. Comments intended for publication in the space below MUST be accompanied by the letter writer’s first and last name and by his/ her city and state of residence (city and country for those outside the United States.)