Ansky, Asch, Aleichem, and Adler: A Journey Through Yiddish Theater

Course Title: Ansky, Asch, Aleichem, and Adler: A Journey Through Yiddish Theater
Program: Open Circle Jewish Learning: Young Adult and Arts and Culture
Instructor: Elliot Lazar
Day and time: Mondays, 7:30-9:00 pm Eastern Time
Dates: Oct 16, 23, 30, Nov 6, 13, 20, 2023
Location: Online via Zoom
Fee: $150 Financial assistance is available.

Yiddish is experiencing a renaissance. Jews all over the world are reclaiming and reviving the language of their ancestors. This extends into the arts as well, from the popular web-series “Yid-Life Crisis,” to the ever-growing National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene, who had a hit with their lauded Yiddish-language production of Fiddler on the Roof. This course will explore the history of Yiddish theatre in both Europe and North America through close engagement with Yiddish plays combined with historical context. How did S. Ansky’s The Dybbuk inspire Paddy Chayefsky’s The Tenth Man? How did Paula Vogel’s Indecent renew interest in Sholom Asch’s God of Vengeance? Like a good Yid, theatre answers one question with another, creating a dialogue that has been going on for centuries and will continue long after we’re gone.
Optional “watch parties” of the plays studied are included. Watch party dates: Sundays at 7:00 pm Eastern: Oct 22, 29, Nov 5, 12, 19, 2023

Hebrew College Open Circle Jewish Learning classes are for learners of all backgrounds.

*Canadian and other registrants from outside of the US: please email Cindy Bernstein to complete your registration. We apologize for the inconvenience.