Influence of the Warsaw’s Theatre Traditions on the Early Stage of the Theatre Activity of Turkow Brothers
Influence of the Warsaw’s Theatre Traditions on the Early Stage of the Theatre Activity of Turkow Brothers

Summary/Abstract: This article aims to outline Warsaw’s theatre traditions during the early years of the theatrical activities of the Turkow brothers: Zygmunt (1896–1970), Jonas (1898–1988), and Isaac (1906–1970), specifically covering the period from 1916 to 1923. It begins with a brief description of Warsaw’s significance as a melting pot of various cultures and as one of the capitals of Yiddishland. It is followed by a study of their memoirs [Teater-zikhroynes fun a Shturemisher Tsayt, Di Ibergerisene Tkufeby Zygmunt; Farloshene Shtern, band I, II by Jonas; Oyf Mayn Veg (shraybers un kinstlers) and Oyf Mayn Veg (Shraybers, Kinstlers, Eyskenim; as well as unpublished typescript of Jonas’ account] from the perspective of Benjamin Harshav’s cultural junction theory. The main section of this paper includes an overview of the artistic institutions and the individual actors or directors that the brothers mentioned as important, coming from Jewish, Polish, Russian, and German origins. Then, it aims to identify the theatrical tradition employed by the Turkow brothers and passed on through their professional activities up to 1939. Thus, this article focuses on the artistic influences that shaped performers who were key figures in the development of modern inter-war Jewish theatre

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