Also visit the Museum of Family History.

 

BECOME A FACEBOOK MEMBER 

 

   Visit                  Exhibitions                    Collections                  Research                  Learning                  About                  Site Map                  Contact Us                  Support

 

 

 

The Yiddish Theatre in Europe


 

 

Origins of the Yiddish Theatre

1930
Miskolc, Hungary



Dem Purim Shpiele
 

Seated right, with beard and striped headdress is Jeno Rosenthal, acting as Jacob. Standing on the far right is Bela Rosenthal, playing the part of Shimon.

It is said that Yiddish theatre, written and performed for the most part by Jews, originated in the various traditional Purim plays. These satirical plays were generally derived from the biblical Book of Esther, though this particular Purim Shpiele, whose cast of characters is pictured below, had to do with Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers to Ismael. Often, the subject of a Purim Shpiele was topical. These plays, usually performed by amateurs, were presented in various European countries in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Often these plays were performed in synagogue courtyards and involved not just the cast members but some within the synagogue's congregation as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright © Museum of the Yiddish Theatre. All rights reserved.