The play now in rehearsal for a Tokyo presentation "reflects in its crudeness the state of our world today," Rachel Walzer said. Preparing for her role in "What the Butler Saw," she has "strong opinions about this farce. In it, nothing is sacred, and it seems to offend everyone under the sun. Yet beneath its offensive, comical surface I find an extremely educational and optimistic work of art. I can see the world we have all experienced, either actively or passively, in this play. It contains vitality and humor, as well as boldly breaking every one of the Ten Commandments. Yet the play closes on a note of acceptance. Grudges, revenge and punishment are done away with, while tolerance, joy and love are celebrated. The conclusion is what I wish we all would strive for."
Rachel's words bear weight, as she has come closer than many to the realities in the world of "grudges, revenge and punishment." As the child of American parents, she has dual U.S.-Israeli nationality. From infancy she lived in Jerusalem. She received all her schooling in Israel until she went to graduate school in Vermont.
Sparkling, friendly and analytical, she spoke of her childhood home environment as "orthodox, one which finds beauty in spirituality and tradition but which is also highly judgmental. I grew up immersed in religious values and ideology which enriched my character. But they also created in me a strong sense of claustrophobia. As a result I always had a need to escape the 'mold,' question the 'facts' and welcome and accept the diverse."
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.