The Scariest Monster on Broadway
A new Broadway play titled 'Giant' explores Roald Dahl's complex character and his anti-Semitic views. The production dramatizes a debate between Dahl and his associates regarding his controversial remarks about Jews. It presents Dahl as a multifaceted figure, showcasing both his literary talent and his troubling prejudices.
- ▪The play 'Giant' runs on Broadway through June and focuses on Roald Dahl's anti-Jewish prejudice.
- ▪Dahl's character is portrayed by John Lithgow, who captures his charm and flaws.
- ▪The production highlights how prejudice can exist alongside intelligence and creativity.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
IdeasThe Scariest Monster on BroadwayA new play about Roald Dahl and his anti-Jewish prejudice captures uncomfortable truths.By Yair RosenbergJoan MarcusMay 31, 2026, 7 AM ET ShareSave The malefactors in Roald Dahl’s fiction are easy to spot. “If a person has ugly thoughts, it begins to show on the face,” the author writes in The Twits. “And when that person has ugly thoughts every day, every week, every year, the face gets uglier and uglier until you can hardly bear to look at it.” Miss Trunchbull, the abusive headmistress of Matilda, is a “gigantic holy terror” with “an obstinate chin, a cruel mouth and small arrogant eyes.” Augustus Gloop, the greedy glutton of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, is a “big fat boy” who is likened to a dog and a pig.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Atlantic.
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