Production Tells Marrano’s Story

By Bnos Menachem student T.L.

This past Gimmel Adar, the Wingate auditorium in Crown Heights was turned into a virtual time machine as Bnos Menachem’s production, Beneath the Facade, transported its audience way back when to 15th century Portugal.

Through elaborate, breathtaking costumes, outstanding actresses, spectacular dances and magnificent choirs, the fascinating story of Dona Gracia Mendez-Nasi was brought to life.

Dona Gracia was an enormously wealthy widow living as a Marrano in Portugal under the tight reign of the Spanish Inquisition. After her brother-in-law’s untimely death, the family fortune was left entirely to Dona Gracia, causing her sister, Brianda, to become extremely resentful towards her. Brianda, desperate for social status, befriended Isabella, who unbeknownst to her was a member of the Inquisition. When Isabella saw the vast wealth of the Mendez-Nasi family, she immediately concocted a plot to boost the Inquisition’s successes, and win some gold for herself as well; she proposed a match between Brianda’s daughter, La Chica, and the prince.

Brianda was delighted and honored to receive such a suggestion, but Dona Gracia, who along with control of the finances had acquired full charge of La Chica until her marriage, forbade it. Sensing the danger all around them, Dona Gracia sent her daughter, Anna, to Turkey, where she would be able to live life as a Jew freely.

When Isabella inquired about Brianda’s decision regarding the match, Brianda expressed frustration about her sister’s power over her life, and complained about Dona Gracia’s undercover activities creating escape routes for Jews and using her wealth and influence to assist the Jewish community.

The Inquisition promptly arrested Dona Gracia, Brianda and La Chica, subjecting them to harsh interrogations to try to make them confess their traitorous acts of keeping Jewish tradition. However, when the Turkish Sultan heard of Dona Gracia’s imprisonment, he immediately sent messengers to Portugal, proclaiming that if they would not release her immediately, he would declare war on them.

Once the three of them were set free, Dona Gracia made plans to escape Portugal. Brianda began to regret what she had done, and realized the importance of following a life of Torah. Dona Gracia had originally planned to flee alone, but she couldn’t bear to leave her sister and niece behind. Together, they left their wealth and life of luxury, and made their way to Turkey.

This masterful production was truly one of a kind! The achdus expressed in putting together the show, the attention to detail, as well as the commitment and dedication of the heads, melded together to create something that was never seen before. The production touched on all emotions; it was funny, inspiring, tearful, and exciting, all at once. Not only were the costumes exquisite, the props accurate for the time period, and the dances and choirs practiced to perfection, but the participation of the whole student body was seen throughout the entire performance. Each and every girl was given a chance to shine and use her talents to the fullest.

The climax of the evening was the finale, where the main theme of the production was brought out in a beautiful song. From the story of Dona Gracia, and from Esther Hamalka in the recent Yom Tov of Purim, we learn of the power that each woman has to affect her family and community, especially now, right before the coming of Moshiach. Using this special strength and ability, we will merit to bring the geulah speedily in our days.

A huge thank you to Chana Fogelman and Gittel Sternberg for their tremendous effort in directing (and doing everything else in) this amazing production, and to Mrs. Junik and Mrs. Gansburg for the countless hours they put into it! An additional thank you to Mrs. Majesky and Mrs. Karnowsky, as well as all the dedicated teachers, for everything they did to help make this production the smashing success that it was.

Missed out on Beneath the Facade? Don’t worry; the production video is now available!