FIDDLER! A MUSICAL
„Fiddler on the Roof“ (Anatevka) has been one of the most successful musicals in history since premiering in 1964. Artist group Ariel Efraim Ashbel and friends takes the classic as reference, traveling through the traditions of 20th century Jewish performing arts in Fiddler! A Musical, exploring them in the context of exile, expulsion, and state violence. The play, which the group has already been working on for two years, delves into the underworlds of Jewish mysticism full of demons, witches, and spectres, while Yiddish cabaret, vaudeville, expressive dance, stand-up comedy, and Broadway musical make the stage scenery come alive.
This musical exuberance from the pen of composer Ethan Braun is presented to us by an ensemble of performers, dancers, singers, a live orchestra, and guests such as Peaches and the Soloistenensemble Kaleidoskop.
„Work on the project began euphorically and solemnly, yet it took a depressing turn during the later course of rehearsals. We are shocked by the incomprehensible brutality in Israel and Palestine, by the trivialisation of violence, by the ignorance towards suffering as well as by the rampant dehumanization and the prejudice-riddled public climate. In the shared distress about the horror escalating every day, the rehearsal room became a place of mourning, unconditional compassion, humanity, and cohesion for us. In the face of increasing despair, we hope that perhaps the evening may offer others, too, a space for shared grief, comfort, and connection.“ – Ariel Efraim Ashbel and friends