My Name is Asher Lev

In Aaron Posner's stage adaptation of Chaim Potok's novel, Asher Lev tells his story in a series of flashbacks. He is a Ladover Hasidic Jew born with a great artistic talent. His sect of Judaism, however, does not believe that art is a worthwhile pursuit. When he begins to draw nudes and pictures of the Cruxifixion, Asher's father, Aryeh, declares Asher's work to be demonic. Asher's mother, Rivkeh, is more forgiving of his talent, although she doesn't understand it. The Rebbe of their sect learns of Asher's gift, and allows him to work with a Jewish master painter, Jacob Kahn. Asher studies with Kahn for many years and becomes a successful artist. Through the years, he has continued to argue with his parents about the nature and value of his work. They attend one of his shows in New York, but are horrified by the centerpiece of the exhibit:a painting of Jesus Christ. Asher has used the Christian image to symbolize his mother's agony over the death of her brother. His family and community are deeply offended, and the Rebbe asks him to leave Brooklyn, prompting Asher to move to Paris. My Name is Asher Lev is a heartbreaking and compelling drama, questioning what it means to live one's life as an artist.