Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 12/07/2025
I attended the play Bias at the Hudson Guild last night, and it truly reflects the current social climate. Written and directed by Art Shulman and produced by Borough Park Productions, the play addresses the ongoing social conflicts in the U.S. between Israeli Jews and Palestinians, the discrimination against Muslims, and the prevalent hatred and finger-pointing in our society.
The story centers around a university conflict in which a professor fails a student, leading to backlash from a Middle Eastern student who accuses him of discrimination. The play stars Jerry Weil as Professor Joshua Goldman. I’ve seen him in several productions, most recently in Neo Ensemble Theatre’s I’ll Be with You Shortly, which I have watched multiple times. Each rendition feels refreshingly new.
The student, Ali Alkashar, is portrayed by Aziz Tazi, who I found instantly charming. Their interactions can be a bit awkward due to the sensitive subject matter. At times, I felt that the professor exhibited some bias in his comments, but he later emphasizes that everyone has their own biases.
This is a play you shouldn’t miss; the acting is phenomenal, and the subject matter is relevant to today’s society. Art Shulman brilliantly highlights the issues we are facing, creating art that will resonate for decades. I believe that the professor’s background did not significantly influence his bias. As a Jewish American, it seemed he initially overlooked the racial aspect until he interacted with the administrator, Dr. Kate O’Connor, played by Nina Bell. She referred to the Middle Eastern students as the “Middle Eastern Mafia,” indicating her own role in perpetuating bias, and she even suggested that he report them.
The cast also includes Rasha Elabaji, Andree Mulia, Morry Schorr, and Sammie Wayne IV.
The play runs until December 14, 2025. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 PM. Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. on December 6. Dark on December 7,
ADMISSION: $30. Seniors $25 (with promo code 007).
ONLINE TICKETING: http://onstage411.com/bias
Photographer: Aziz Tazi.
