Actress Molly Bernard found herself completely engrossed by the script of Birthright a play that spans more than three hours and delves deep into the lives of six Jewish American friends. While in London with her family, she dedicated an entire day to reading and rereading the script, unable to put it down. “I couldn’t stop thinking about it,” she shared before a Wednesday night performance.
Written by Jonathan Spector and performed at the MCC Theater in New York, Birthright is a profound exploration of friendship, identity, and the complexities of being Jewish in modern times. The story begins in 2006, when the friends embark on a Birthright trip to Israel, and follows them through to 2026, as they navigate personal and political challenges, including the aftermath of the Hamas-led attacks of Oct. 7, 2026.
From Alona to Izzy: A Role Transformed
Bernard, known for her roles in shows like Younger and her Broadway debut in Cult of Love, was initially drawn to the character of Izzy, a vocal critic of Israel whose confrontation with her childhood friend Chaya (played by Zoe Winters) is a pivotal moment in the play. However, she was first cast as Alona, another member of the friend group who decides to move to Israel. When Abbi Jacobson left the production, Bernard stepped into the role of Izzy with just eight days to rehearse before previews began in June.
The whirlwind of preparing for the role under such tight constraints was challenging, but it also allowed Bernard to approach the character with a unique sense of freedom. “I have a kind of abandon on stage that I’ve never had because of the timeline,” she explained. Now, a few weeks into the show’s run, she is finally able to let go of some of the initial stress and fully embody the character.
Playing Izzy Over an 18-Year Span
One of the most unique aspects of Birthright is its three-hour-long runtime, which allows the audience to experience the characters’ lives over nearly two decades. Bernard describes this as a gift, as it provides both the actors and the audience with a deep understanding of the characters’ journeys. “By the time we get to Act Three, I’m playing a character that I’ve had 20 years of knowing,” she said.
The play is not just about the politics of Israel and Palestine; it’s about the friendships and the dynamics between the characters. “It’s about how these people are talking about it, and the way that they’re talking about it is in the friendship dynamics,” Bernard explained. This focus on the characters’ relationships makes the play relatable and cathartic for the audience.
Connecting with the Audience
Bernard has found that the play resonates deeply with audiences, many of whom see themselves in the characters. “Everyone that has seen the play that I sit down with and have a glass of wine after, or chat with in the lobby, they’re like, ‘I have had some of those exact conversations with my mom, or with my brother, or with my friends, my friends from Jewish day camp,'” she shared.
The play has also had a profound impact on Bernard personally. “I’ve been hugging more strangers than I ever have in my life,” she said, highlighting the emotional connections that the play fosters. Bernard’s grandfather, an acting teacher, instilled in her the goal of changing one person’s mind with each performance. “Here I am getting the privilege to do that every single night,” she said.
Birthright has been extended through Aug. 23, and audiences continue to be moved by its exploration of friendship, identity, and the complexities of being Jewish in today’s world.
