In Fringe’s Biblical burlesque, 'the holy and the sensual meet'

Remember being an adolescent on the cusp of puberty and being bored, bored to tears, during weekly services at synagogue or church?

Nuthin’ else to do but flip through the holy book in the pew, and then, wow, there it was — the “Song of Songs.”

What!?!

“The curves of your thighs are like wrought rings,

the handiwork of a master.

Your navel a crescent bowl,

let mixed wine never lack!

Your belly a mound of wheat

hedged about with lilies.

Your two breasts like two fawns,

twins of a gazelle.

Your stature was like a palm tree,

and your breasts were like clusters.

I thought: I will climb the palm,

I will grasp its stalks,

and let your breasts be like grape clusters,”

Really? In the Bible? Wow!

Who knows what uplifting response young Jesse Bernstein may have had as an adolescent upon reading “The Song of Songs” in Hebrew school, but when he became artistic director of Theatre Ariel, he was determined to turn the erotic poem into a burlesque and stage it at the Philadelphia Fringe.

The result is “Gazelles & Garters: A Song of Songs Burlesque,” starring well-known Philly drag queen Eric Jaffe as the master/mistress/maven of ceremonies.

“I wanted to defy people’s stereotypical ideas of Jewish theater,” Bernstein said. “It’s not all ‘Fiddler on the Roof.’ It’s not all Borscht Belt. It’s not all trauma.

“I think ‘Song of Songs’ is one of the most beautiful pieces of romantic poetry ever written, and I wanted to celebrate it,” Bernstein said. “I had this thought, `Wouldn’t it be fun to do a “Song of Songs” burlesque?’ ”

One performer will read the text, and others, including Jaffe, will perform parodies.

Lots of scholars have weighed in on the meaning of “Song of Songs,” also known as “Song of Solomon.” Some say it’s an allegory of God’s love for his people. Some say it’s an erotic poem celebrating human love. Either way, sensual dialogues, descriptions and dreams abound.

Isa Ardiente (Turquoise) and Selene Rose (Fuchsia) are part of the cast for “Gazelles and Garters.” (Photo by Joe Mac)

“I’ve always been fascinated about where what we call the holy and what we call the profane intertwine,” Bernstein said. “For me, this show is exactly that. It is the place where the holy and the sensual meet. I find that to be very exciting and theatrical.”

Jaffe reminisced about discovering the “Song of Songs” in Hebrew school.

“I remember the room being full of giggles – all of us being fascinated that this horny text was considered biblical,” Jaffe said. “I remember being intrigued that there was nothing too gender specific about it, and that some of it was queer.”

For years, Jaffe has been a fixture in Philly’s nightlife drag scene. “I used to have a drag show called `’My Big Gay Jewish Drag Show,’ ” Jaffe said, with a different show for every holiday.

“I hope people will come and see this and find that there is sensuality in ancient texts and that Jews can be horny. Why not?” Jaffe said. “Even back in the old times, people were writing about each other’s breasts and were yearning for each other in a deeply sexual way. If it’s been happening since the beginning of tim, what’s wrong with that?”

Bernstein said audience members can pay what they wish, but those purchasing a $50 ticket get to sit in the front row, ready for whatever interaction may come along. People should bring cash to tip the performers.

“The ultimate goal,” Bernstein said, “is for people to come, have fun, and experience the steamy side of the Bible.”

Somebody say, Amen!