Why is there a "Chorus" character in The Mitzvah ?
Art imitates life
"The Chorus,” a character in the play, speaks with a New York accent, holds a cigar and offers edgy and sardonic observations about things that happen in both the play and the war.
Did you know?
"The Chorus" character is loosely based on Groucho Marx, a Jewish-American comedian and social critic best known for the movies he made with his brothers – The Marx Brothers – in the 1930s and 40s.
Additional viewing
In March 2020, the CBS news program “Sunday Morning” ran a story on The Marx Brothers. (By clicking on the previous link, you will leave The Mitzvah Project’s study guide and access another website.)
Discussion
(For after the play): Why do you think Groucho served as the inspiration for the Chorus?
Further Discussion
(After seeing the play): The word “Mitzvah” has several meanings in classical Hebrew including “Obligation” or “Commandment.” Many Jews have come to understand “Mitzvah” to mean “good deed.” However, while “feeding the poor” or “acting kindly to strangers” are good deeds, according to the bible, they are obligations/commandments.