THE STORY: As outlined in The Hollywood Reporter: “…Has to do with finding a 'grandpa sitter’ for Zayda, who has a habit of wandering off and getting lost somewhere on the outskirts of Johannesburg. Harry Grossman’s South African servant, Johannes, convinces him that his brother, Paulus, would be the ideal man to keep a watchful eye on the old man. The two of them hit it off immediately, with Zayda learning Zulu expressions, and Paulus in turn being taught Yiddish. Pretty soon, it becomes the relationship almost of father and son, going on long walks together, with some amusing discourses on the differences as well as similarities in customs and traditions, and this fraternization inevitably leads to trouble with the authorities, who impose sever penalties for traveling without a pass, or going “where you don’t belong,” or for being a host to a new-found companionship, Zayda inevitably gets Paulus and his circle of friends into the police mesh. One complication follows another, with Paulus eventually being dismissed and sent off by Harry Grossman, the trouble-plagues son of Zayda. It breaks the old man’s heart. However, in the end, all winds up happily."
Based on the story by Dan Jacobson. Set in racially torn South Africa, this warm-hearted, gently humorous play tells of the firm and understanding friendship which blooms between a Jewish grandfather and the native servant engaged to look after him.
“…something to warm the heart, lighten the spirit…” —New York Daily News.
