Jeish Identities in German Popular Entertainment, 1890}}}1933 [Hardcover]

This book explores how German Jews were instrumental in the birth of a rich world of popular culture.At the turn of the century, German popular entertainment was a realm of unprecedented opportunity for Jewish performers. This study explores the terms of their engagement and pays homage to the many ways in which German Jews were instrumental in the birth of an incomparably rich world of popular culture. It traces the kaleidoscope of challenges, opportunities and paradoxes Jewish men and women faced in their interactions with predominantly gentile audiences.At the turn of the century, German popular entertainment was a realm of unprecedented opportunity for Jewish performers. This study explores the terms of their engagement and pays homage to the many ways in which German Jews were instrumental in the birth of an incomparably rich world of popular culture. It traces the kaleidoscope of challenges, opportunities and paradoxes Jewish men and women faced in their interactions with predominantly gentile audiences.Paying homage to the many ways in which German Jews were instrumental in the birth of an incomparably rich world of popular culture, this study traces the kaleidoscope of challenges, opportunities and paradoxes Jewish men and women faced in their interactions with predominantly gentile audiences. Modern Germany was a society riddled by conflicts and contradictory impulses, continuously torn between desires to reject, control and celebrate individual and collective difference. The book demonstrates how an analysis of popular entertainment can reaveal much about a period of great social and political turmoil.Part I. 'Ponim et Circenses': Jewish Identities in Circus Entertainment, 18701933: 1. The circus in time and space; 2. Family bonds; 3. Schein und Sein in the circus; 4. Losing common ground; Part II. Comic Relief: Jewish Identities in Jargon Theater from 1890 to the 1920s: 5. Tongue in cheek; 6. All in the family; 7. A limited engagement; 8. The gravity of lc{