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