Tim Kolman Playwright

Reviews Of Timothy Kolman's Play "The Roses In June" cover a wide variety of passionate feelings. Please read some of them below.

Richard Osbourne:
What thoughts does June 1967 evoke? The Rolling Stones, bell bottoms, assassinations, the clash with '50s conformity, turmoil in the Middle East? This is the backdrop conjured by Timothy M. Kolman's production, "The Roses in June," currently making its world debut at Plays and Players Theatre in Philadelphia. For those unfamiliar with the aforementioned era, projection designer Olivia Sebesky and sound designer Megan Cully skillfully provide an engaging overture through film, slides, and music, setting the stage for the unfolding narrative.

The play's themes resonate with contemporary concerns, focusing on the challenges faced by refugees and the attitudes of host countries. Instead of directly tackling these issues, the playwright delves into personal history, crafting a historical pageant that gains its strength from its distinctive and compelling narrative.

Kolman's personal journey is indeed intriguing. As a prominent Philadelphia attorney, he hails from England, raised as the son of Kindertransport Jews. His parents, seeking a British identity they couldn't fully embrace due to their German accents, sent him to a traditional English school, where bullying was an ingrained tradition. Notably, Kolman, a combat veteran of the Israel Defense Forces, emphasizes that while the play draws from his experiences, it is not entirely autobiographical.

The Rose family in the play, who have anglicized their German surname, enjoys financial success in London. They enroll their son, Paul, in a prestigious but rigid institution. The atmosphere is intensely conformist, with the headmaster (Bob Heath) vehemently opposing hippie clothing and hairstyles. A teacher instructs the boys that a true Englishman would never express dissatisfaction with a rebellious "I can't get no satisfaction" but instead opt for a more refined "I remain dissatisfied despite my best efforts."

Reluctantly, the school adheres to a strict quota system, admitting Jews and Muslims. However, when racial violence erupts, the headmaster's sole concern is the school's reputation, along with his as well.

A fine play with hopes of more work from Tim Kolman.  I highly recommend.