Performing history

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Collective identities are shaped by historical perspectives, and theatre plays a crucial role in representing and debating the past, sometimes challenging or reinforcing existing narratives. Freddie Rokem explores how post-World War II theatre has depicted the French Revolution and the Holocaust, illustrating how actors, as witnesses for those lost, bridge historical events with contemporary performance. He examines stage representations in various national contexts, including the United States and Europe for the French Revolution, and Israel for the Holocaust. By highlighting both the diversity and commonalities in these performances, Rokem emphasizes the collaborative creativity of playwrights, directors, designers, and actors as they link their work to specific historical moments. He also considers how audiences from different cultures engage with and influence the ideological discussions inherent in these performances. Analyzing works by Yehoshua Sobol, Dudu Ma'ayan, Hanoch Levin in Israel, Peter Brook, Ariane Mnouchkine, Ingmar Bergman in Europe, and Orson Welles, Herbert Blau, Robert Wilson in the U.S., Rokem draws on his experiences in Europe, Israel, and the U.S. to highlight the interplay between historical failures and the pursuit of meaningful artistic expression.