230: The Yid Stays In The Picture, with Arielle Angel
Summary
Hosts Matt Lieb and Daniel Maté welcome Ariel Angel, editor at large for Jewish Currents, to critique recent Zionist-themed plays like *Birthright* and *Giant*. They discuss how these productions, often funded by groups like Miami New Drama, serve as "fine art Hasbara" that validates liberal Zionist views while offering hollow catharsis. The conversation highlights the insular nature of these works, which feature contrived arguments and fail to engage with substantive anti-Zionist perspectives or the realities of the Gaza conflict.
Topics discussed
Intro, AMA recap, and Seattle standup show announcement
Music trivia: Jerry Orbach, Creed Bratton, and Tom Verlaine
Guest intro and critique of Bruce Springsteen's dramatic style
History of Jewish Currents and upcoming theater events
Analysis of the play 'Birthright' and Jewish friendships
Critique of pro-Israel plays and white Jewish male perspectives
Discussion on anti-Semitism, Jeremy Corbyn, and 'The Ally'
Sexual Zionism, marriage dynamics, and audience targeting
Satirical sketch: 'My Idiot Son' and feelings politics
Desire for authentic artistic excavation vs. comfort plays
Sponsors: Hala Palestine soap and Middle East Books
Skydance-Warner merger, Oracle, and Mark Ruffalo controversy
Debate on anti-Semitism accusations and corporate hypocrisy
Jonah Platt, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Hasbara 2.0 evolution
Donnie Deutsch, Israeli indifference, and episode conclusion
Listen ad-free on Castria