The Story of Ethel & Julius Rosenberg Tickets

The story of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg is a tragic one that has captivated audiences for decades. Their highly publicized case, in which they were accused and ultimately executed for espionage, has inspired countless books, movies, and even plays.

In 2009, playwright Erika M. Sheffer premiered her play "Russian Transport" at the New York Theatre Workshop. The play, which explores the complicated relationship between a Russian-American family in Brooklyn, received critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of identity, family dynamics, and the immigrant experience.

At the center of this family are two parents named Boris and Diana, who run a livery service and struggle to make ends meet as they raise their two children, Mira and Alex. Boris is revealed to have a dark past in which he was involved in espionage activities with Soviet operatives. This revelation threatens to upend the already fragile stability of the family and puts their lives in danger.

While the play is not explicitly about the Rosenbergs, it draws heavily on their story and the cultural context surrounding it. For many Americans during the Cold War era, the fear of communist infiltration was omnipresent and served as a justification for the persecution of many who were suspected of disloyalty. This climate is reflected in the tense relationships between the characters in "Russian Transport," particularly between Boris and his daughter Mira, who represents a younger generation that is largely disconnected from their Russian heritage.

Another play that directly takes on the story of the Rosenbergs is "Execution of Justice," written by Emily Mann and first produced in 1985. The play follows the trial of Dan White, the man who infamously murdered San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk in 1978. The narrative is framed by scenes from the Rosenberg trial, in which modern-day lawyers and judges debate whether or not White deserves the death penalty for his crimes.

Through these parallel narratives, Mann explores themes of justice, prejudice, and the power dynamics that dictate who is considered a threat to national security and who is not. By placing the Rosenbergs' story in conversation with another high-profile case, Mann makes a compelling argument for the ways in which our legal system can be weaponized against marginalized communities as well as those who dare to challenge established power structures.

Today, the legacy of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg continues to inspire artists and activists alike. Their tragic end serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked government power and the importance of fighting back against injustice in all its forms. In a time when our country is grappling with issues of surveillance, censorship, and state-sponsored violence, their story remains as relevant as ever.