Indecent

by Paula Vogel
directed by Wendy C. Goldberg
Wurtele Thrust Stage

Overview

A critically acclaimed play with music

Inspired by the 1923 Broadway debut of Sholem Asch’s The God of Vengeance – a play that follows a Jewish brothel owner and the lesbian romance between his daughter and a prostitute – Indecent charts the journey of a drama upheld as a groundbreaking piece of Jewish literature by some, and an act of obscenity by others. An ensemble of seven actors and three musicians portrays more than 40 roles to shed light on one of the most fascinating scandals in theater history. 

In the news

Review

“…when times are tough for humans, great art can help pull us out of the darkness and into the light.” 

Read the Star Tribune review. 

Review

Indecent melds history, social issues and art”

Read the Pioneer Press review. 

Feature

Pulitzer Prize winner Paula Vogel sat down with Chris Hewitt to discuss her debut at the Guthrie. 

Read the full Star Tribune interview.  

Feature

In a recent interview, Paula Vogel described her play-within-a-play as "a love story about the theater.” Euan Kerr takes a behind-the-scenes look during rehearsals. 

Listen to the MPR News piece. 

Video

Stage Craft with Paula Vogel

Playwright Paula Vogel shares how the play came to life and the power of theater.

Watch the trailer

Don’t miss Indecent, inspired by a true story about theater, censorship and love.

Set time-lapse

Watch the Indecent set come to life in this time-lapse of load in. Set design by Arnulfo Maldonado.

Sneak Peek: Interview with Paula Vogel

Paula’s warmth and wisdom inspired us all during early rehearsals, and we can’t wait to share her full interview!

Photos

The cast of Indecent. Photo by Dan Norman. 

The cast of Indecent. Photo by Dan Norman.

Miriam Schwartz, Sally Wingert and Robert Dorfman. Photo by Dan Norman.

Ben Cherry and Miriam Schwartz. Photo by Dan Norman. 

Miriam Schwartz and Gisela Chípe. Photo by Dan Norman. 

Artists

Cast

Spencer D. Chandler

Moriz Godowsky, Accordion

Ben Cherry

Lemml

Gisela Chípe

Halina

Robert Dorfman

Otto

Steven Epp

Mendel

Lisa Gutkin

Nelly Friedman, Violin

Placeholder for Hugh Kennedy

Hugh Kennedy

Avram

Pat W. O'Keefe

Mayer Balsam, Clarinet

Miriam Schwartz

Chana

Sally Wingert

Vera

View More

Creative

Paula Vogel

Playwright

Wendy C. Goldberg

Director

Lisa Gutkin

Music Director

Yehuda Hyman

Choreographer

Arnulfo Maldonado

Scenic Designer

Anne Kennedy

Costume Designer

Josh Epstein

Lighting Designer

Kate Marvin

Sound Designer

Alex Basco Koch

Projection Designer

Jo Holcomb

Dramaturg

Jill Walmsley Zager

Vocal Coach

Jason Clusman

Stage Manager

Michele Hossle

Assistant Stage Manager

View More

Know more

Play guide

Want to dig deeper into the story? Download the play guide

Explore more

Guthrie Store

Shop in store or online for cool finds

Start Shopping about Guthrie Store

Donate Now

Donate to support the Guthrie

Learn More about Donate Now

Go Behind the Scenes

Get to know the talented artists who bring our productions to life

Explore More about Go Behind the Scenes
Call