[THEATRE REVIEW] ALL IS GOOD…IN THE GLOW OF THE MOONLIGHT @ inotrope productions Review (2025)
Evocative and entertaining, All is Good … in the Glow of Moonlight is a remarkable insight into the life and times of Soviet writer Isaac Babel and his creations.
It is resplendent with vivid storytelling and fine music.
Babel (played by Joseph Sherman) was born in Moldavanka, a historical part of Odessa, in the Russian Empire, on 13th July, 1894.
He is best known for his collections of short stories concerning war and revolution.
Arrested by the secret police on 15th May, 1939, Babel was prosecuted on trumped up charges as an enemy of the state.
He was shot dead by a firing squad on 27th January, 1940, the day after his 20-minute trial.
Moldavanka is presented as a rough and rundown neighbourhood, where hoodlums proliferated and crime was rife, but also a place to savour good food.
Despite the repressive political ideology abundant at the time, Babel lived a highly creative, but tragically shortened life.
The Glow of Moonlight brings to the fore his conception from The Odessa Tales, Benya Krik (Simon Starr), the gangster king of Odessa, with whom Babel spars.
Starr provides much of the fine musicianship in the piece with his lyrical tone and his mastery of guitar, trumpet and double bass.
Before the play with music starts, a convivial atmosphere is created by lighting designer Shane Grant. He doubles as the “warm up” guy and later as a standover merchant.
He figuratively embraces the audience in Spanish.
He waxes eloquently, telling jokes and playing an operatic recording, while inviting us to share home made tomato soup, vodka, pickled gherkins and bread.
It is a fine spread, which undoubtedly heightens the hour-long theatrical experience.
I was so impressed by Sherman’s yarn spinning. He tackles the role of Babel with unbridled enthusiasm and a zest for life.
I felt I was transported back in time to the sights and sounds, the delights and dastardly deeds of Babel’s mother country.
Sherman relays stories with a Yiddish soul, full of humour and heartache, cruelty and upheaval.
Fact and fiction blur, but we are left in no two minds that the world was immeasurably richer for what Babel brought to it.
Let me extend that observation to the inventiveness and accomplishments of the creators of this fine offering.
Staging is in a café style setting, complete with several small, round tables.
The redolent two-tier set, props (think close shaves, statues and a model train and car) and costuming are very much in keeping with the conceit.
Sherman, Starr, dramaturg David Pledger et al have created something special, to be savoured and shared.
They have brought the past alive, breathing life anew into tumultuous times.
All is Good … in the Glow of Moonlight is on at Theatre Works’ Explosives Factory until 5th July, 2025.
Review and Photography by Alex First