The debate about whether Jewish characters should always be played Jewish actors.
The actor Bradley Cooper is playing Leonard Bernstein, the conductor and composer of many works, including West Side Story. Bradley Cooper, who isn’t Jewish, wears a prosthetic nose as part of his portrayal. The Bernstein family were consulted on the film and say they’re ‘perfectly fine’ with it. But it’s prompted a debate about whether non-Jewish actors should play Jewish roles. Is it always problematic for an actor to wear a fake nose due to the history of negative caricatures? Should casting be based simply on someone's acting ability?

Guests:
Rebecca Wilson, actor
Josh Kaplan, Head of digital at the Jewish Chronicle
Bryan Cheyette, Professor of English Literature at Reading University
Danny Stone, CEO, AntiSemitism Policy Trust Show less