Mirele Efros

Barcode: 58946052 Call Number: International Jewry Material Type: Video -DVD Time: 80 min. Date: 1939, 2005 Language: Yiddish Creator: Directed by Joseph Berne Description: No playwright had more impact on the character of the Yiddish theater than Jacob Gordin. Gordin was born in the Ukraine and moved to New York at the turn of the century. On New York's Jewish rialto, his plays became renowned for their sophisticated narratives that expounded on the ideals of menschlichkeit - the practice of honesty, decency, and devotion to family and community. Mirele Efros, often called the "Jewish Queen Lear," is considered Gordin's masterwork. It tells the story of a pious widow named Mirele who handpicks a wife for her oldest son, Yossele. But after the wedding, Mirele discovers that her new daughter-in-law, Shaindele, is selfish and conniving. Berta Gersten plays Mirele, the noble, dignified widow and successful businesswoman. Her generosity and love for her son lead to her undoing. The film is set in turn-of-the-century Grodno. The resulting conflict between mother, son, and wife provides fertile ground for exploration of themes inherent in Gordin's works. Subjects: International Jewry Collection: Martin Salinger Resource Collection