Bad Jews (South African Premiere)

The South African premiere of Joshua Harmon’s biting comedy Bad Jews marked Greg Karvellas’ first production of Harmon’s work, showcasing his keen eye for dialogue, humour, and the deeper tensions that simmer beneath fast-paced, sharp-witted exchanges. This razor-sharp, darkly funny play explores faith, family, and the complexities of cultural identity, delivering a mix of hilarity and deeply uncomfortable truths.

When their grandfather, Poppy, passes away, cousins Daphna and Liam find themselves in a battle over a cherished family heirloom, exposing long-held resentments, religious divides, and generational clashes. The fiercely devout Daphna is at odds with her secular, entitled cousin Liam, whose disconnect from Jewish traditions fuels their escalating war of words. Liam’s non-Jewish girlfriend, Melody, is caught in the crossfire, while Jonah, Liam’s younger brother, does his best to stay out of the chaos. But as the four are forced to share a cramped living space for the night, tensions explode into a riotous and emotionally charged showdown.

Under Greg Karvellas’ dynamic direction, this production balanced rapid-fire comedy with emotional depth, unpacking themes of heritage, identity, and generational conflict. Saul Radomsky’s inspired set and costume design(The Shadow of the Hummingbird, Orpheus in Africa) provided the perfect backdrop for Harmon’s masterful blend of satire and social commentary.