Indecent

Madje and Sholem are at the office of Dr. Hornig. In English, Madje explains to the doctor that Sholem has not slept for weeks. Dr. Hornig asks if anything out of the ordinary has happened to Sholem recently. In Yiddish, Madje urges Sholem to tell the doctor about his visit to Europe. Sholem has recently returned from a trip where he was investigating pogroms against Jewish people. Madje explains to the doctor that Sholem has not been the same since he returned. In Yiddish, Sholem tells Madje that he cannot sleep, concentrate, eat, or enjoy himself. She relays this in English to the doctor, who recommends bed rest and physical activity to restore his energy. Angrily, Sholem asks in Yiddish if she has any recommendations that “can map the disintegration of the Jewish psyche due to centuries of persecution” (58). The doctor is perturbed by Sholem’s anger and leaves to consult with a nurse. Madje worries that Dr. Hornig wants to have Sholem committed and urges him to rest and go see the Broadway debut of The God of Vengeance.

On opening night, during intermission, Madje and Sholem are horrified at the extent of the changes to the script. Madje notices police in the