Although I have a love for the Yiddish language, I knew virtually nothing about Yiddish theater, and through the weaving of the story of the remarkably talented (and sturdy!) Bursteins, I gained a knowledge of that institution from its great success in the villages of Eastern Europe and throughout the world.
I was amazed by the willingness of the Burstein family to share not only their struggle and success, but the lingering resentments over the children going on their own, the daughter leaving the business and the son having his own successful career in Israel and in the United State.
The story moves along well, accompanied by historical photos and an amazing quantity of film of both performances and family activities.
After watching this DVD, I had the illusion of having seen a complete history of Yiddish theater, which is a testament to the skills of the director and compilers of this material--and this is not dry history: there is a light touch and humor throughout.
(The only quibble is a scene in a New York cemetery where many of the actors and others from Yiddish theater are buried. It would have added a worthy touch if something had been said about the Thomashefkys having bought plots so that workers in the theater would have a common resting place)
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