News Summary
Daniel Redman’s new interactive play, ‘Thorn & Petal’, explores the life of Louis Rose, San Diego’s first Jewish settler. Debuting at Trinity Theatre Company, the play aims to honor Rose’s contributions to the city while addressing contemporary issues of resilience and empathy. Collaborating with Sean Boyd, Redman draws from Rose’s significant relationships and experiences to create a compelling narrative that resonates with the challenges faced by minorities today.
San Diego – Playwright Daniel Redman is set to debut an interactive play titled “Thorn & Petal” at the Trinity Theatre Company in Mission Valley from September 12 to September 21. The production aims to honor the legacy of Louis Rose, a pivotal figure in San Diego’s history known as the city’s first Jewish settler who arrived in 1850, the same year California was granted statehood.
Louis Rose, a German Jew, played a vital role in the development of San Diego. He was active in local governance, serving on the grand jury and presiding over the Board of Trustees for the city. Rose’s contributions helped shape the emerging city, and he was instrumental in establishing San Diego’s Jewish community, co-founding Adath Jeshurun, which eventually evolved into the Congregation Beth Israel. His home served as a venue for Jewish high holy days services, further cementing his significance in the community.
Despite his critical contributions, Louis Rose remains an unsung hero in local history. Daniel Redman aims to change that through his new play, which seeks to shine a light on Rose’s story in a time where rising antisemitism has become increasingly visible, particularly after the events of October 7. Redman, motivated by his experiences as a minority in school, sees Rose’s narrative as a reflection of a broader human experience that resonates with many.
Collaborating with first-time playwright Sean Boyd, Redman was inspired to create “Thorn & Petal” after reading a biography of Rose authored by Donald H. Harrison. The play encapsulates a significant 20-year period in Rose’s life, exploring his relationships with notable figures, including his second wife, Mathilda Newman, his first wife, Carolyn Marx, and Mayor Joshua Bean. Redman portrays Rose as a complex character who faced challenges and made mistakes, embodying resilience and engagement with the social rights of the time, particularly advocating for women’s rights.
Redman envisions the play as more than just a historical account; he hopes it will encourage audiences to draw connections between the past and present, recognizing repetitive societal patterns that transcend divisiveness. By presenting Rose’s life story, he aims to foster understanding and empathy among individuals of all faiths, celebrating the shared human experiences of resilience and passion for life.
As the opening dates approach, excitement builds around the production, which promises an engaging and thought-provoking theatrical experience. Redman’s commitment to honoring Louis Rose’s legacy through “Thorn & Petal” highlights the importance of acknowledging diverse histories while encouraging dialogue about contemporary issues, particularly in light of the current cultural climate.
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Additional Resources
- San Diego Jewish World: “Thorn & Petal” Interactive Play
- San Diego Jewish World: Jews Engaging in Jewish Life
- Fox 5 San Diego: Jewish Groups Withdraw from Pride
- NBC San Diego: Jewish Organizations Withdraw from Pride
- Wikipedia: Louis Rose
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SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
