It is the holiday of Purim -- a time to stage comic and entertaining plays or "Purimshpiels". But in the village of Shamgorod in 1649, this festive custom takes a tragic turn. Three itinerant actors show up at an inn to perform a Purim play for the Jewish community. The discovery that Shamgorod has suffered a pogrom and only two Jews have survived -- the innkeeper, Berish, and his daughter. Egged on by Berish, the actors agree that instead of a "Purimshpiel" they will stage a mock trial of God, indicting Him for allowing such things to happen to His children. Berish wants to be the Prosecutor; the three actors agree to be the Judges. But who will be Defense Attorney? A Stranger, who looks oddly familiar to all of them, appears and offers to take the role. Meanwhile the mob outside is planning a new assault on the inn. -- From publisher's description.