In Broadway’s ‘Giant,’ Roald Dahl is a warped messenger for a vital debate about Israel
The Times of Israel • • entertainment
Key Points:
- The new Broadway play "Giant" centers on Roald Dahl's 1983 antisemitic outbursts, using his controversial views to explore complex questions about Israel, Jewish solidarity, and Diaspora responsibility.
- The play revisits Dahl's antisemitic book review criticizing Israel’s 1982 Lebanon war, where he used harmful stereotypes about Jewish people and accused powerful Jewish bankers of controlling US policy.
- John Lithgow stars as Dahl, portraying the author's charm alongside his bigotry, while Jewish characters in the play challenge Dahl to confront Israel's actions and the complicity of Diaspora Jews.
- "Giant" highlights the tension within Jewish communities over Israel, including the marginalization of progressive Jewish groups critical of Israeli policies, and sparks reflection on the responsibilities of Diaspora Jews.
- While some critics argue the play risks fueling antisemitism, it ultimately aims to provoke difficult but necessary conversations about Jewish identity, Israel, and the legacy of a beloved yet flawed author.
