Vagabond Stars

by Nahma Sandrow

Reproductions of all posters, handbills, sheet-music covers, and other memorabilia illustrate an account of the acting troupes, playwrights, language, and culture associated with the Yiddish theater in five continents through more than three centuries

Genres: Theatre, History, Jewish

1 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[Tucker Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

and sometimes you take a calendar year to read a book and that's okay

[Amelia Feiner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this in high school for a project I did on Yiddish theater and I just went back and reread some chapters after someone started talking to me about how important it is for Jewish actors to play Jewish characters in theater and tv (I’m not so convinced…) I wanted to look back and think about the history of Jewish entertainment, especially in NYC, and this book is just a gold mine of info. From the Purim spiel to Shmendrik to Fiddler, it tells the complete history of the relationship between Jewish faith, the Ashkenazi Jewish experience, and theater.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is a master storyteller. Reading her book was like immersing yourself in an exciting period of our history. Well done, Ms. Sandow.

[Jay Resnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing history of Yiddish theater. Great photos and posters of shows. Early chapters and history is strongest.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bible of Yiddish theatre, when you finish it you feel rather like an expert yourself. Featuring plenty of photos and illustrative excerpts from plays, Sandrow traces the continuous rise and fall of the art with an eye towards its place in Jewish history. The final chapter, featuring her own personal observations is a wonderful capper.