Ghetto: Burgerlijk Treurspel in 3 Bedrijven

by Herman Heijermans

"Ghetto: Burgerlijk Treurspel in 3 Bedrijven" by Herman Heijermans is a play written in the late 19th century. The work explores themes of struggle, family dynamics, and the complexities faced by Jewish communities within a societal context of alienation and hardship. The central character is Sachel, a blind man grappling with the pressures of his failing business and the tensions in his family relationships, particularly with his son Rafaël. The opening of the play introduces us to Sachel's cramped shop on a warm evening, where he interacts with a Jewish customer who is trying to sell him second-hand goods. This reveals Sachel’s deeply skeptical nature and his feeling of being constantly deceived by those around him. As he accuses his daughter-in-law Rose, who is working in his shop, of lying and not being trustworthy, the audience gets a glimpse of the oppressive atmosphere in the household. The tension escalates as Sachel expresses his frustrations with his son Rafaël, who seemingly neglects his responsibilities, setting the stage for the unfolding drama centered around familial loyalty, secrets, and the struggles of the Jewish identity.