A review by yossikhe
The Trial of God: (as It Was Held on February 25, 1649, in Shamgorod) by Elie Wiesel

5.0

This play is a testament to the depth and complexity of Elie Weisel. I liked two particular elements of the story, the historical and the theological. The author, a survivor of the Holocaust, analyzes Jewish tragic history as a continuum by placing the Trial of God (itself a result of feelings of abandonment) after a Medieval Pogrom instead of in Auschwitz, where it actually happened. Secondly, the characters examine the figure of God in his humanity, channeling the Bible on the “image and likeness” (therefore being unclear if they’re judging humanity or if they’re judging God). Lastly, the philosophical aspect is also interesting: A plot where Satan can provide logical arguments and show compassion sends a message that even the darkest have a human (and therefore godly) side to them.