Introduction to Yiddish Theatre with Tamara

Tuesdays 6:00 - 7:30pm (UK time)

Alternating between online classes and face-to-face sessions at Housmans Bookshop, London

This is Babel's first foray into Yiddish theatre! Led by Yiddish teacher, performer & playwright Tamara Micner, we will read and discuss the famous Yiddish play Mirele Efros by Jakob Gordin.

One of the greatest hits of the Yiddish stage, Mirele Efros is known as 'the Yiddish Queen Lear' for its depiction of a fierce, funny and complex matriarch. The title role was performed - and fought over - by leading Yiddish actresses around the world, and film adaptations were released in 1912 and 1938. Set in Eastern Europe in the late 19th century, the play follows a Jewish family's broyges (separation) and reunion, and a matriarch’s battle to maintain her business, her household and her dignity as she gets older.

Reading the original Yiddish play over the course of the term (with access to an English translation), we will read key moments out loud as a group and discuss our responses and reactions. This course will be a combination of study and live readings to bring the play to life - so come prepared to read extracts of the play out loud in Yiddish with your fellow students, or simply listen and enjoy!

This class will take place in person and online in alternating weeks (i.e. the first week in person, the following week on Zoom, etc.). (Note that this is *not* a hybrid class where students can participate either in person or online every week.)

Note: This class will be taught in Yiddish.

If you have any questions about the course or the level, please email us at babelsblessing@gmail.com.