‘Thorn & Petal’: An Interactive Play About San Diego’s First Jewish Settler Louis Rose

By Eva Trieger

SAN DIEGO -In 1850, many hopeful immigrants flocked to California for the Gold Rush. While he may have had other compelling reasons, Louis Rose, a German Jew arrived in San Diego, just as California attained statehood. Rose immediately involved himself in local institutions and became an integral part of establishing a thriving city. The entrepreneur and developer served on the grand jury and was president of the Board of Trustees for the city. His presence was particularly instrumental in the formation of San Diego’s Jewish community.

Rose used his own home to provide a place to hold services for the Jewish high holy days, and later cofounded Adath Jeshurun, the forerunner of Congregation Beth Israel.  His presence and support helped paved the way for the growth of a Jewish community. Rose remained a largely unsung hero but playwright and self-professed History nerd, Daniel Redman, hopes to change that and draw audiences into an interactive play about Rose’s life.  Thorn & Petal, a unique theatre experience, will be performed at Trinity Theatre Company in Mission Valley.

In a telephone interview, Redman shared that he felt compelled to share Louis Rose’s story in the wake of October 7th.  He saw value in bringing forth a positive Jewish story as negativity and antisemitism are on the rise. Through some networking with Sean Boyd, first-time playwright, Redman, garnered the support he needed to pen Thorn & Petal.

Using Donald H. Harrison’s well-researched biography, Louis Rose: San Diego’s First Jewish Settler and Entrepreneur, as a “key source of inspiration,” Redman took some liberties to enrich the lives of his characters. I was told that Rose’s life resonated with him because Redman recalled being the only Jewish kid in his elementary school. He recalled the pride and excitement of having his mom come in to make latkes for his classmates. While the experience was a “most special day,” he also expressed that assimilation can be an isolating phenomenon. “Many people don’t understand what a minority group has to face.”

I asked Redman if he felt Rose’s story was unique or typical of an immigrant of his day. The playwright replied that it was both unique and universal. He was impressed with the truth and authenticity of Rose’s story. The immigrant did not have a flawless life path, and in fact, “faced challenges and made some terrible mistakes.” This revealed his humanity and explained why Redman referred to him as an “imperfect prophet,” like Jonah.

I wanted to understand why Rose had been successful in settling San Diego’s first Jewish community, and was told that he was extremely resilient.  He faced his troubles for the most part and formed tight bonds with people. “He said “yes” to opportunities,” and was progressive when it came to women’ s rights. Rose, he reported, found strength in other people and exhibited an “unending faith in humanity.”

Thorn & Petal relates a 20-year swath of the life of Louis Rose, beginning with his arrival in San Diego. Throughout the course of the play the audience will also meet Rose’s second wife, Mathilda Newman; Carolyn Marx, his first wife; and San Diego’s Mayor Joshua Bean among others.

Redman hopes that audiences will see the repeating patterns in history, and find a path of connection to one another, leaving off the divisiveness or struggle. While this is the positive Jewish story the playwright sought, his dream includes everyone, of every faith, seeing themselves in the story, and sharing that resilience and passion for life.

Thorn & Petal will be performed from Sept. 12 through Sept. 21. For ticket information, click here.

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Eva Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of the arts.