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Friday, February 03, 2023
Could It Happen Here? How U.S. and U.K. Plays Are Staging Antisemitism’s Resurgence
AMERICAN THEATRE: “Remember this!”
That has been the urgent cry coming from New York and London stages this season. No fewer than 10 plays in the past 10 months have addressed the specter of Nazism and the rise of antisemitism with such intensity that it’s impossible not to take notice and heed the warning.
4 comments:
Jasper
said...
As a Jewish person, the rise in anti-semitism both in the United States and in the world as a whole is nothing short of terrifying. We are fast approaching a point that many fear could be comparable to the levels of anti-semitism in the 1930s. As we look at what is happening now and fight against anti-semitism and hatred today, it is important to remember our past. As more attention is raised, it is easier to fight against hate. This is why I am very glad that attention is being brought to these issues through the use of theater. Theater is a great way to raise awareness and create an emotional reaction to something so it is an effective way of moving people to fight anti-semitism, even if only passively. I also really appreciate how this variety of plays address different cases of anti-semitism and address them in different ways.
The article highlights the alarming trend of rising antisemitism in the contemporary world and how it is being reflected in theatrical works. The article brings attention to the fact that this is not just a problem in one specific region but is a global issue. The resurgence of antisemitism is a concern for all people, as it is an indication of a larger problem in society. The use of theater as a means of addressing this issue is a powerful tool, as it allows people to engage with the topic in a creative and thought-provoking way.
In addition, the article highlights the responsibility of playwrights, directors, and actors to take a stance against antisemitism and educate their audiences about the dangers of this type of prejudice. The theater is a place where difficult conversations can be had and where people can learn about important issues in a way that is both entertaining and educational.
It is crucial that the theater industry continues to take an active role in addressing the rise of antisemitism and that it provides a platform for artists to address this issue. This can help to raise awareness and educate people about the dangers of this type of prejudice, ultimately working towards a more inclusive and accepting world.
I always found theatre especially in well known large theatre districts such as Broadway and West end to be a mutated and narrative news reaction to the world around it. While it’s no revelation theatre often reflects the era it is produced in, scenarios such as that discussed in the article of the rise of antisemitism and neo nazism resulting in an increase of shows displaying stories about jewish people and the culture surrounding the oppression and violence they’ve faced forever. I appreciate that the article points out the types of shows are not all the same, as in some share Jewish people’s stories and trauma, some are about Nazis and how they fall into such a position, and another one described was a genre of shows that take place in countries before and after the aftermath of WWII. I hope this trend of spreading messages to fight discriminatory resurgence movements and hate continues within the theatre scene and occurs for all other pressing modern day subjects.
It's interesting to see the theater world reflect so quickly and cleanly the events of the world around us. The rise in antisemitism in the United States is absolutely gut wrenching to see, and this article makes it real. It seems like something that shouldn't happen in a first-world, developed country, but it is; as the article says, "It’s hard to imagine that Jews today are facing the question of whether to leave or stay, in either Europe or the U.S.". Of course, now more than ever it's important to tell these stories to raise awareness. I think it's good that there are all of these different plays that tell the stories of different people in different situations, from a myriad of time periods. I found C.P. Taylor's play Good intriguing, as Professor Halder's story isn't one I've ever thought about. I'd like to know more about how that play unfolds.
4 comments:
As a Jewish person, the rise in anti-semitism both in the United States and in the world as a whole is nothing short of terrifying. We are fast approaching a point that many fear could be comparable to the levels of anti-semitism in the 1930s. As we look at what is happening now and fight against anti-semitism and hatred today, it is important to remember our past. As more attention is raised, it is easier to fight against hate. This is why I am very glad that attention is being brought to these issues through the use of theater. Theater is a great way to raise awareness and create an emotional reaction to something so it is an effective way of moving people to fight anti-semitism, even if only passively. I also really appreciate how this variety of plays address different cases of anti-semitism and address them in different ways.
The article highlights the alarming trend of rising antisemitism in the contemporary world and how it is being reflected in theatrical works. The article brings attention to the fact that this is not just a problem in one specific region but is a global issue. The resurgence of antisemitism is a concern for all people, as it is an indication of a larger problem in society. The use of theater as a means of addressing this issue is a powerful tool, as it allows people to engage with the topic in a creative and thought-provoking way.
In addition, the article highlights the responsibility of playwrights, directors, and actors to take a stance against antisemitism and educate their audiences about the dangers of this type of prejudice. The theater is a place where difficult conversations can be had and where people can learn about important issues in a way that is both entertaining and educational.
It is crucial that the theater industry continues to take an active role in addressing the rise of antisemitism and that it provides a platform for artists to address this issue. This can help to raise awareness and educate people about the dangers of this type of prejudice, ultimately working towards a more inclusive and accepting world.
I always found theatre especially in well known large theatre districts such as Broadway and West end to be a mutated and narrative news reaction to the world around it. While it’s no revelation theatre often reflects the era it is produced in, scenarios such as that discussed in the article of the rise of antisemitism and neo nazism resulting in an increase of shows displaying stories about jewish people and the culture surrounding the oppression and violence they’ve faced forever. I appreciate that the article points out the types of shows are not all the same, as in some share Jewish people’s stories and trauma, some are about Nazis and how they fall into such a position, and another one described was a genre of shows that take place in countries before and after the aftermath of WWII. I hope this trend of spreading messages to fight discriminatory resurgence movements and hate continues within the theatre scene and occurs for all other pressing modern day subjects.
It's interesting to see the theater world reflect so quickly and cleanly the events of the world around us. The rise in antisemitism in the United States is absolutely gut wrenching to see, and this article makes it real. It seems like something that shouldn't happen in a first-world, developed country, but it is; as the article says, "It’s hard to imagine that Jews today are facing the question of whether to leave or stay, in either Europe or the U.S.". Of course, now more than ever it's important to tell these stories to raise awareness. I think it's good that there are all of these different plays that tell the stories of different people in different situations, from a myriad of time periods. I found C.P. Taylor's play Good intriguing, as Professor Halder's story isn't one I've ever thought about. I'd like to know more about how that play unfolds.
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