Polish Joke

Polish Joke Synopsis

A collection of four works from the American playwright known as ';wizardly... magical and funny... a master of language' (The New York Times). This collection brings together four full-length plays from the same dazzling pen that produced the one-act comic masterpieces of All in the Timing. Polish Joke is about a young Polish-American's trip through ethnic stereotypes. Nine-year-old Midwesterner Jan Bogdan Sadlowski, nicknamed Jasiu, is told by his uncle that Poles are thought to be ';backward, stupid, inept, and gloomy.' The only way out is for Jasiu ';to impersonate someone not Polish.' In Don Juan in Chicago, a Renaissance innocent makes a deal with the devil, only to become a reluctant Latin lover. Ancient History is a comedy-drama about the holy war that breaks out when two people from two very different cultures fall in love. The Red Address paints a searing portrait of a man with a secret who is forced by tragedy into self-revelation. Praise for David Ives ';A pitcher with a great many tricks up his sleeve. He throws like an all-star... mixing comedic moods and styles with a dizzying assortment of changeups.' The New York Times Polish Joke ';Ives skillfully climbs the slippery slope of political incorrectness without a single mean-spirited stumble.' CurtainUp Don Juan in Chicago ';Ives invents an irresistible premise and has fun making good on its promise.' Los Angeles Times Ancient History ';A riveting theatrical experience.' Show Business The Red Address ';Mix Glengarry Glen Ross with Glen or Glenda... A tough-talking drama that mixes business sharks, blackmail, cross-dressing and murder.' Variety