NJT Creates Holocaust-related Theater Archive

The National Jewish Theater Foundation/National Jewish Theater (NJT) under the leadership of its President and Producing Artistic Director, Arnold Mittelman, has embarked on the creation of the first production and research-oriented, Holocaust-related Theater Archive (HTA). This vitally needed initiative was suggested by Dr. Haim Shaked, Director of the Sue and Leonard Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies at the University of Miami and has as its advisors Dr. Shaked, the renowned Holocaust scholar Dr. Michael Berenbaum and the legendary actor Theodore Bikel. All three are members of the NJT Advisory Board.

The goal of the archive is to first chronicle relevant theater and theater-related activity that immediately preceded the Holocaust, took place during World War II and/or has been created since 1945. This Holocaust Theater Archive will classify and categorize the authors, creative artists, plays and productions that have been written, produced and/or recorded on the subject. These plays and productions will include drama, musicals, cabaret and revues that record, represent or refer to the Holocaust. Music and dance, when part of a relevant theatrical production, will also be included as will published reviews when available of all of the foregoing.

"Perhaps more than any other art form, theater has the power to create identification and remembrance as it depicts human behavior through theatrical storytelling," said NJT President and Producing Artistic Director Arnold Mittelman. "Imagine Holocaust education and awareness without the plays The Diary of Anne Frank or The Deputy or, for that matter, the musical Cabaret. While there are many historians, museums, libraries, catalogues and websites that record elements of this subject, at this time none is comprehensive or seeks to produce the extant material."

To merely archive this information, no matter how completely, would inadequately serve the victims and their families. A theater archive must not only record to remember and for research, but it must inspire and help create future productions of relevant works of theater. It must give access to the scripts and production information needed for others to mount their own events. It must place the archival material in a context that confirms its validity and it must record, broadcast and digitally disseminate the productions in script, audio and video formats for future generations. A concerted effort, utilizing various academic and artistic disciplines will be required to research, evaluate, catalogue, archive and produce the material.

The NJT and The Sue and Leonard Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies at the University of Miami are presently exploring possibilities for close collaboration on launching and later developing and maintaining the archive.

The NJT is also seeking relevant organizations, universities, artistic institutions and individual donors whose combined talents and resources will support this important project. The NJT/HTA will need a resource center or centers where students, scholars and the public can read and study the physical evidence. In this digital age, the NJT/HTA will also need the technical help required to create a master website with informational links to other worldwide resources. An international consortium of theater companies will be set up to promote revivals, new interpretations and commission productions commemorating the Holocaust.

The NJT comprehensive Holocaust-related theater archive with its strategic alliances will strive to inspire studies, exhibitions, curricula, conferences and productions to illuminate the atrocity of the Holocaust, ensuring that the material is retained, maintained, disseminated and made available for future scholars, artists and audiences of all ages.

To signal interest or participate in this remarkable venture, please visit: www.holocausttheaterarchive.org