Recha’s touching naïveté and innocence form an interesting contrast to the intrigue and cruelty that exist in a world torn by religious prejudice and conflict. Nathan the wise has complicated characters that are placed in difficult situations which are in conflict with the religions of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. google_ad_slot = "0875535137"; Nathan the Wise, the title character in Gotthold Ephraim Lessing’s 1779 play, has been called the greatest Jewish character next to Shylock. Nathan, to whom it was said God had given "the greatest gift, wisdom, and the most worthless, riches," goes to thank the Templar who wanders daily about the Saviour's tomb. //-->, A synopsis of the play by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing. Two-time Tony nominee Stark Sands (Kinky Boots) has joined the cast of the upcoming Classic Stage Company production of Nathan The Wise, starring previously announced Oscar winner F. … The play's titular character, Nathan, is a wise, ethical, and generous Jewish man. google_color_link = "0000FF"; He repeats Daya's charge to the Christian Patriarch who sends a lay brother to spy upon Nathan. Issuu company logo. The relationship between these three characters—a Jew, a Muslim, and a Christian—is the central element of the play. What is the spiritual meaning of Nathan the Wise. ", Nathan takes in his hand the scorched cloth and the Templar sees a tear fall upon it. During a ceasefire we find Jews, Christians and Muslims coexisting uneasily in the city. Then Nathan explains that the writing in the dead father's prayer book has disclosed that the Templar's true name is Leo Von Filneck, that Von Stauffen was the mother's name, and that Leo and Recha are brother and sister, the children of Wolf Von Filneck. NATHAN THE WISE. So proves “Nathan the Wise,” the opening production of People’s Light & Theatre Company’s 35th season. Nathan is a rich Jew living in Jerusalem at the time of the Third Crusade (1189-1192). He questions, though he also admires, the Jewish merchant; at the same time, he honors, though he does not understand, the sultan who spares his life. google_ad_type = "text"; Finally the ring descended to the father of the three sons, all equally dear, and he was troubled to decide which should have it. Meanwhile, Daya, the Christian companion of Recha, has told the Templar that Recha is a Christian who Nathan had stolen as an infant and reared as a Jewess, a crime punishable by death at the stake. It offers an alternative parody story to what could have happened when the Scourge invaded Lordaeron.