A publication of

UPSTAGE CALLBOARD
If I Forget
By Steven Levenson
Directed by Daniel Sullivan
Ln the final months before 9/11, liberal Jewish studies professor Michael Fischer has
reunited with his two sisters to celebrate their father's 75th birthday. Each deeply
invested in their own version of family history, the siblings clash over everything from
Michael’s controversial scholarly work to the mounting pressures of caring for an ailing
parent. As destructive secrets and long-held resentments bubble to the surface, the
three negotiate—with biting humor and razor—sharp insight—how much of the past they’re
willing to sacrifice for a chance at a new beginning. If I Forget tells a powerful tale
of a family and a culture at odds with itself.
From Steven Levenson, acclaimed writer of Dear Evan Hansen and Roundabout’s The Language
of Trees, comes If I Forget, a sharply funny, unflinchingly honest new play about the
stories we choose to believe, the compromises we can’t avoid and the hurt only our
nearest and dearest can inflict.
a note from Artistic Director Todd Haimes
This production of If I Forget marks the third time that Roundabout is bringing the work
of playwright Steven Levenson to the stage. I would say third time’s the charm, but
frankly, our first two outings with this gifted artist were nothing short of charming
themselves. Steven was only the second playwright ever produced in our Roundabout
Underground program, and to have this ongoing relationship with him as his career and
work continue to grow has been incredibly rewarding. Steven has never shied away from
taking on the major issues of the day, and this piece is no different. Treading into
sensitive territory, this play asks us to really look at the America we were before
9/11, the way that American Jews have or have not assimilated, and the attitude of this
country towards Israel. It’s sure to provoke discussion, which is exactly what a great
new play should do.
when July 29, 2000 and
where Tenleytown, a white, upper-middle class neighborhood
February 18, 2001
who
of Northwest Washington, D.C.
Lou Fischer
Holly Fischer
Michael Fischer
Sharon Fischer
Ellen Manning
Howard Kilberg
Joey Oren
2 ROUNDABOUT THEATRE COMPANY