BWW Interviews: Campbell Says 'CIRCUMCIZE ME' Off-Broadway

 It a difficult subject to even think about circumcision is a choice made by many men. Of course, having it done three times is almost inconceivable. But it does happen, as told in the current off Broadway hit, Circumcise Me, written by and starring Yisrael Campbell, now playing at The Bleecker Street Theatre (45 Bleecker Street just East of Lafayette).
Circumcise Me tells the true story of Yisrael Campbell, your average Irish, Italian, Catholic kid from Philly, who became a sober alcoholic, recovering drug addict, husband, father, reform, conservative, unorthodox, orthodox, Jewish comic actor. In his New York theatrical debut, Yisrael (born Christopher) takes the audience on an extraordinary spiritual, creative, and hysterically funny journey including, ouch, three circumcisions along the way.
Circumcise Me is the rare collision of comedy and theatre that will have women howling with laughter and men squirming in their seats. The film "Circumcise Me," a documentary on Yisrael's life, is currently playing in film festivals around the country.
The fun also continues with the talkback series "FINAL CUT" taking place after select performances of the show. Guests sit down with Yisrael Campbell to tell a story that has changed their life...their "AH HA!" moment. Scheduled guests have included Judy Gold, Father Dave Dwyer, and Rabbi Charles Klein.

Campbell answered a few questions about his journey in life to stage.

OK, that's quite a turnaround from Christopher to Yisrael.... a bit of an identity reversal. What precipitated this change of life?

When I converted to Judaism my Rabbi told me to take a Hebrew name for a couple of reasons. Reason 1, Christopher means Christ Bearer and is not a Jewish name. And 2 every convert takes a Hebrew name. But I didn't start using the name Yisrael, until I moved to Israel. It was just too hard for Israeli's to see someone that looked so Jewish (black hat, beard, long coat, Tzitzit (strings) and such a non-Jewish name.

Circumcised three times?? I think once would have been enough. What happened??

You would think once was enough but alas no. Of course you can only actually be circumcised once; the other two were a "ritual." Being that my initial circumcision at birth was a medical procedure and this is a symbol of religious covenant, but they still drew blood and as mentioned in the show 3 circumcisions is not a religious covenant it's a fetish.

Do you consider yourself a stand-up comedian?

Over twenty years ago, I went to Circle in the Square for a Professional Workshop, where I was trained as an actor. A few years after I got out of school, there was not enough work, so I started doing stand up as a way of having more control over my career. At one point in my career, I was turning down work that happened on the Shabbat or other holidays. Whereas, stand up provided me with the opportunity to work, when and where and under what circumstances were acceptable to me.

Is it tough to get in front of an audience and expose your life as it is to them?

Actually it isn't and I'm not sure if that is a blessing or a curse. Particularly here where the emotional arc is so clear it's very much like riding an emotional roller coaster it's exhausting but fun and more than anything else a dream come true.
TJ: This sounds more like a serio-comedic show. How would you describe it?

There are both comedic elements and very serious dramatic ones but that is the way life is isn't it? If I can have an audience laughing one minute and really paying attention and listening the next minute, I have done my job. Theater is supposed to be an experience, right?

Why did you decide to take this, which is your life, and put it on stage?
I felt like it was a very specific spiritual journey but it also has a universal element that I wanted to share with others. I think whether you are Jewish or not, there are aspects of the show that relate to everyone.

Seeing your background and a note about substance abuse, how has performing this show changed your life?

A very important part of recovery from alcohol and drug abuse was learning to tell my story and to hear others tell theirs, then take it to the next level of hearing our own stories in the telling of the other's story. That is what I hope is happening here.

How has the response been from your audiences?
The reaction has been great, even before the reviews people loved it and the word of mouth has been great. Thankfully in the end so were the reviews.

What has been the most interesting thing that has happened to you thus far in performing this show?

Sitting in the lobby after the show and having people from all walks of life come out and say Thank you.

What would you like to tell someone who is thinking about coming to your show to encourage them to buy a ticket?

You don't have to be an Irish Italian Catholic recovering drug addict, sober alcoholic from Philly who has converted three times to Judaism and moved to Israel to raise your family in order to love the show, but it helps if you like to laugh.

Get your tickets for Circumcise Me at The Bleecker Street Theatre (45 Bleecker Street just East of Lafayette). Ticket prices range from $25.00 - $65.00 with premium seating available. Circumcise Me plays Wednesday at 3pm, Thursday at 8pm, Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 4pm and 7pm. You can get tickets by visiting Telecharge at www.telecharge.com or by calling (212) 239-6200. For more information, check out his website at www.yisraelcampbell.com. So for now, ciao and remember, theatre is my life!