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Collective Phenomena: Soviet Jewish Scientists' Stories
A new theater production, Collective Phenomena, showcases the stories of Soviet-Jewish scientists who reclaimed their heritage after the Six-Day War. The play will be part of the Study My People conference.
English
Israel
IsraelImmigrationIdentityTheaterJewish HeritageSoviet History
One Million Lobby NgoIdfZoa HouseGesher TheaterAkko Theater Festival
Semion AleksandrovskiyHayim Nahman BialikZe’ev JabotinskyFelix DzerzhinskyJoseph Stalin
- How does the director's family story relate to the themes of the play?
- The play's director, Semion Aleksandrovskiy, shared his family's story, highlighting how his grandfather Russified his name to Boris from Baruch after the 1917 Russian Revolution. This exemplifies the complex history of Soviet Jews and their evolving relationship with their identity.
- What challenges did Soviet-Jewish scientists face after the Six-Day War?
- Following the Six-Day War, many Soviet-Jewish scientists faced suspicion and dismissal from their positions due to their connection to Jewish communities outside the Iron Curtain. The play depicts their efforts to connect with Jewish communities in the West and their determination to maintain their heritage.
- What is the subject of the new theater production, Collective Phenomena?
- Collective Phenomena is a new theater production showcasing the personal stories of Soviet-Jewish scientists who defied the USSR and reclaimed their Jewish heritage after the Six-Day War. It will be shown at ZOA House on November 10th as part of the Study My People conference.
- What is the background of Collective Phenomena's director, Semion Aleksandrovskiy?
- Semion Aleksandrovskiy, born in the USSR, immigrated to Israel and created his own independent theater in Saint Petersburg before returning to Israel after the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. He aims to showcase culture's enduring power against political change.
- What organization is hosting the Study My People conference, and what is its focus?
- The One Million Lobby NGO organized the Study My People conference, which also honors fallen IDF soldiers who immigrated from Russian-speaking countries. University students will work to create innovative ways to commemorate these olim in the coming year.