Reviews

Major Objective: In the beginning of the scene Rebbe Pinchas is trying to do what is “right� by burying Gimpel, since Gimpel believes that he is dead, and has convinced Rebbe Pinchas of this as well. I think that it is important to note that due to the part of the play that we chose to do, we never got to the major objective which is to find the stranger to get back the towns valuables. Although this play has a definite plot, it is a comedy and I believe that the character of Rebbe Pinchas, although an important role, is mostly there to aid in the comedy. That said, in the second scene, when I take on the part of the stranger, I believe that his objective is simply to become wealthy, and take advantage of the people of Chelm. In the third scene, when I play Rebbe Pinchas again, I believe his objective was to convince the stranger to sell his cow. And in the last scene, I believe Rebbe Pinchas’s goal was to relay the news that the cow doesn’t give gold, and then to find some way to get back their valuables. But like I said, I very rarely felt as though Rebbe Pinchas was the person who provided the conflict throughout the scenes, I often felt like the character of Rebbe Pinchas was created by the author simply for comedic purposes.

What stands in the way: I believe that what stands in the way of Rebbe Pinchas fulfilling his objectives is the fact that he is a fool. Although Rebbe Pinchas would like to consider himself wise, he simply cannot because he is often proved wrong by others throughout the play. I think Rebbe Pinchas’ major objective is to be a wise man, but his foolishness stands in the way.

Physical and Emotional Traits: Rebbe Pinchas is very physical. He moves his hands and body frequently throughout each scene. He makes funny faces, especially when he is offended by something. Rebbe Pinchas always tries to continue looking “wise� at all times. I like to think that Rebbe Pinchas and Rebbe Mottel have a sort of competition going on. I think that Rebbe Pinchas enjoys telling Rebbe Mottel that he is doing things wrong. Above all else, Rebbe Pinchas likes to have others compliment him. Rebbe Pinchas is angered easily, especially when he is challenged by others. Rebbe Pinchas is very hot blooded, and his temper is wild, but overall he is a kind man, especially towards Gimpel. I believe Rebbe Pinchas looks as Gimpel as sort of a Protégé. Pinchas is often frustrated by others easily, especially because he always thinks he is right, even if logic says otherwise.

Relationships: Pinchas has a different sort of relationship with Rebbe Mottel. He and Mottel get along as long as they are in complete agreement, although that occurs very infrequently. They are constantly arguing or debating about something. When they are in an argument it seems as though both sides find their argument perfectly logical, and see no sense in the other point of view. It takes one side to be proven wrong before someone will back down. They are good friends, but they often don’t see eye to eye. Like I previously stated, I believe Pinchas and Gimpel have different relationship. I believe that Gimpel looks up to Pinchas, and Pinchas appreciates that. I think that Pinchas enjoys that attention and admiration from Gimpel.

Evaluation of the group’s process: I am not exactly sure what we are suppose to answer to here, but I will simply say that although I often was frustrated because I felt like not everyone (including myself at one time or another) was not pulling their weight, I did enjoy this process. I feel like I learned a lot through this experience. I had a chance to act, which was fun. But I also had a chance to work in other areas of theatre, because at various times I think everyone did everyone else’s job too. I really liked this project.