THE STORY: BONTCHE SCHWEIG is based on a story by I. L. Peretz. As described by Brooks Atkinson in The New York Times, BONTCHE SCHWEIG “is a wonderful one-act piece. Having died after a wretched and barren life on earth, Bontche Schweig now comes to heaven for his reward. Since life has taught him to expect nothing, he expects nothing in heaven. Even when the angels turn out to honor him he remains mute and bewildered.” When he is offered anything he wants as a reward for his gentle uncomplaining humility, he can ask only that every day he be given a hot roll with fresh butter; and even the angels are ashamed that his greatest wish is so pitiful.
