Spinoza, Portuguese-Jewish philosopher of the Dutch Golden Age, a forerunner of the Enlightenment. Ex-communicated by his synagogue, for "horrifying heresies." Albert Einstein attributed his religious writings as a source of inspiration.
Spinoza was born in Amsterdam to a Marrano family that fled Portugal for the more tolerant Dutch Republic. He received a traditional Jewish education, learning Hebrew and studying sacred texts within the Portuguese-Jewish community, where his father was a prominent merchant. As a young man, Spinoza challenged rabbinic authority and questioned Jewish doctrines, leading to his permanent expulsion from his Jewish community in 1656. Following that expulsion, he distanced himself from all religious affiliations and devoted himself to philosophical inquiry, supporting himself by lens grinding. Spinoza attracted a dedicated circle of followers who gathered to discuss his writings and joined him in the intellectual pursuit of truth.
Recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles in July 2011.
Directed by Rosalind Ayres
Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg
An L.A. Theatre Works Full-Cast Performance Featuring:
Edward Asner as Abraham van Valkenburgh
Richard Easton as Saul Levi Mortera
Andrea Gabriel as Clara
Arye Gross as Ben Israel
Amy Pietz as Rebekah
James Wagner as Simon de Vries
Matthew Wolf as Baruch de Spinoza
Associate Producer: Christina Montaño
Recording Engineer/Sound Designer/Editor: Mark Holden for The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood
Sound Effects Artist: Tony Palermo
