King and the Fool, The

Synopsis: The Yiddish Theatre in Moscow flourished during the cultural renaissance that followed the Russian Revolution. Two of the moving forces behind the theatre were Solomon Mikhoels and Benjamin Zuskin, affectionately called ‘the king and the fool’, roles they played in their Yiddish language performance of King Lear. Mikhoels and Zuskin worked together to help forge one of the great theatre troupes. Following World War II, in Stalin’s regime, each was targeted for execution. The video tells their story and includes excerpts from films and plays, including Yidishe Glikn (Jewish Luck) and King Lear, in which each performed.
Language: English
Country: United States
Medium: Video
Technical information: Colour / Sound
Year of release: 1990
Duration: 40 mins

Theatre company: Yiddish Theatre
Production type: Documentary/Educational/News
Plays: King Lear
Subjects: Drama
Keywords: Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Mikhoels, Soloman; Zuskin, Benjamin; Soviet Yiddish Theatre
Related items: Mikhoels As King Lear

Notes: In English, Hebrew and Yiddish with English subtitles.

NOTE: Material is made available to students and faculty of the University only. Researchers outside the University should contact the librarian to make enquiries about the possibility of a viewing on site