The New York Times: At the relatively late age of 43 — though basically a toddler compared to much of a recent audience for the National Yiddish Theater Folksbiene production — I finally saw “Fiddler on the Roof.”
We all have our cultural blind spots. I’ve never seen an episode of “The Simpsons,” either, though I very much have always meant to. Some things just slip by. My failure to see “Fiddler” is only important in that it would be extremely on-brand for me to have seen “Fiddler” 35,000 times — to have “Fiddler” be the only show I’d ever seen.
1 comment:
I found this article particularly powerful. To me it spoke to the potential effect theatre has on its audience members and I think it also highlights the importance of diverse stories. Sure there is plenty of universality in most stories, but this man was able to see his own struggle with his jewish identity wrestled with onstage. In theatre we have a responsibility to represent diversity stories. Additionally, stories such as fiddler provide the opportunity for communities to come together to learn. I grew up in a largely Jewish area and when my high school did the show it was a great opportunity for community. Cast and crew members of all religions were invited to various participant’s Shabbat dinners at home and the whole team made an effort to highlight the importance of the the story in our community today. Shows that represent a multitude of people and experiences provide a richer experience for both the team and the audience.
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