Guide to the Jacob Fishman (1888-1962) Theater Collection,
undated, 1898-1939
P-37
Processed by Rachel S. Harrison
as part of the Leon Levy Archival Processing Initiative, made possible by the Leon Levy Foundation.
American Jewish Historical Society
Center for Jewish History
15 West 16th Street
New York, N.Y. 10011
Phone: (212) 294-6160
Email: reference@ajhs.org
URL: http://www.ajhs.org
© 2019 American Jewish Historical Society, New York, NY. All Rights Reserved.
Electronic finding aid was encoded in EAD 2002 by Rachel S. Harrison in February, 2016. Description is in English.
Descriptive Summary | |
| Creator: | Jacob Fishman |
|---|---|
| Title: | Jacob Fishman (1888-1962) Theater Collection |
| Dates: | undated, 1898-1939 |
| Abstract: | This collection contains the prompt-books for numerous plays, both those originally written in Yiddish as well as Yiddish translations of well-known authors. There is also an original play by Boaz Young and notes for a study on female Jewish writers. |
| Languages: | The collection is in Yiddish. |
| Quantity: | 1 linear foot (2 manuscript boxes) |
| Identification: | P-37 |
| Repository: | American Jewish Historical Society |
| Location: | Located in AJHS New York, NY |
Biographical Note
It seems likely that this collection belonged to the Jacob Fishman who founded the Folksbiene Theater in 1915 under the auspices of the Workman’s Circle, and was an actor and the director of the Folksbiene from 1915-1940. Prior to that, he was involved with the Progressive Dramatic Club and the Hebrew Dramatic League, where he was also the director.
Return to the Top of PageScope and Content Note
This collection contains the prompt-books for Yiddish plays by, among others, Avrom Goldfaden, Jacob Gordin, David Pinski, Moisey Ghitzis, Avrom Reyzen, Shomer (Nahum Meyer Shaykevich), Karl Gutzkow, and Abraham Veviorke. These prompt-books also contain Yiddish translations of plays by writers such as Fyodor Dostoevsky, Maxim Gorky, Gerhart Hauptmann, Henrik Ibsen, August Strindberg, Octave Mirbeau, Hermann Sudermann, and Stanislaw Przybyszewski. There is an original play by Boaz Young as well as notes for a study on female Jewish writers that Jacob Fishman appears to have started. Yiddish play titles have been given in the original Yiddish spelling and in an English translation. Plays that were translated into Yiddish are just given in English translation. The dates given sometimes refer to when the play was originally published or performed in Yiddish and sometimes to the date when the play was first translated into Yiddish.
Return to the Top of PageArrangement
The bound prompt-books and manuscripts are in the first box and have been arranged alphabetically according to the English title of the first play in each book. Individual unbound plays are in the second box and have been arranged alphabetically according to the English title. The collection has been arranged in one series.
Return to the Top of PageAccess and Use
Access Restrictions
The collection is open to all researchers by permission of the Director of Collections and Engagement of the American Jewish Historical Society, except items that are restricted due to their fragility.
Use Restrictions
Information concerning the literary rights may be obtained from the Director of Library and Archives of the American Jewish Historical Society. Users must apply in writing for permission to quote, reproduce or otherwise publish manuscript materials found in this collection. For more information, contact:
American Jewish Historical Society, Center for Jewish History, 15 West 16th Street, New York, NY, 10011
email: reference@ajhs.org
Related Material
Both YIVO and the American Jewish Historical Society have numerous collections on Yiddish theater. These include the Theater and Film Poster Collection of Abram Kanof, P-978; the Ludwig Satz Papers, P-844; the Adler Family Papers, P-890; and the Records of the Hebrew Actors Union, RG 1843.
Return to the Top of PageSeparated Material
There is no information about materials that are associated by provenance to the described materials that have been physically separated or removed.
Return to the Top of PagePreferred Citation
Published citations should take the following form:
Identification of item, date (if known);
Jacob Fishman (1888-1962) Theater Collection;
P-37; box number; folder number; American Jewish Historical Society, New York, NY.
Acquisition Information
There is no information about the provenance of this collection.
Return to the Top of PageProcessing information
Processed by Rachel S. Harrison as part of the Leon Levy Archival Processing Initiative, made possible by the Leon Levy Foundation. Loose items were put into folders.
Return to the Top of PageAccess Points
Click on a subject to search that term in the Center's catalog.Individuals:
Organizations:
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Container List
The following contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.
