The year is 1983. A storm of controversy surrounds Roald Dahl, the beloved children’s author, after he publishes a scathing review filled with antisemitic remarks. In Mark Rosenblatt’s new play, ‘Giant,’ we are transported to a fictional lunch meeting where Dahl, portrayed by John Lithgow, faces the consequences of his words.
The play unfolds as Dahl sits down with his publishers, grappling with the criticism he faces for his vitriolic views on Jewish people and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The scene is imagined, but the words are real, taken directly from Dahl’s own writings. The author’s inflammatory language, which even includes comparing himself to Hitler, shocks and dismays the audience, prompting a profound question: how do we reconcile the genius of an artist with their deeply flawed personal beliefs?
The play delves into the complexities of separating art from the artist, a question that continues to resonate in our contemporary world. ‘Giant’ forces us to confront the ugly truth of Dahl’s antisemitism while acknowledging his immense contribution to literature. This duality is not lost on Rosenblatt, who admits the play was a deeply personal journey.
“With Dahl himself, I was writing from both a critical and affectionate place,” he shares. “Here’s a man I grew up reading, who has helped form my imagination and whom I now love reading to my own kids. And yet, he is also someone who, by his own admission, hates people like me.”
The play also tackles the broader context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a conflict that continues to dominate global headlines. Rosenblatt weaves in the fraught political landscape of the time, creating a powerful and nuanced exploration of the complexities of this deeply divisive issue.
The play’s themes resonate beyond the confines of the theater. In a time when antisemitism is on the rise, and where the lines between art and politics are increasingly blurred, ‘Giant’ offers a timely and thought-provoking commentary on the complexities of identity, prejudice, and the enduring power of words.
‘Giant’ is a play that challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths, prompting us to consider the ethical responsibility of artists, the enduring power of words, and the need for nuanced dialogue in a world increasingly divided. It is a powerful reminder that separating art from the artist is not always a simple task, and that the consequences of hateful speech can linger long after the words have been spoken.
