Subject
Religious drama Books
Best books
Herman Heijermans
Ghetto: Burgerlijk Treurspel in 3 Bedrijven
"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.
Arnold Bennett
Judith, a Play in Three Acts; Founded on the Apocryphal Book of Judith
"Judith, a Play in Three Acts; Founded on the Apocryphal Book of Judith" by Arnold Bennett is a dramatic work likely written during the early 20th century. This play centers around the biblical character Judith, a strong and determined woman who plays a pivotal role in the defense of her people against the invading Assyrian army led by Holofernes. At the start of the play, we are introduced to the besieged city of Bethulia, governed by Ozias. During a tense exchange with the elder Chabris, it is revealed that the city is deprived of water due to the siege, leading to desperation among its inhabitants. Ozias, striving to maintain morale, speaks to the citizens, but his leadership is questioned. The entrance of Judith, who has remained isolated for years, marks a turning point. She asserts her intent to save Bethulia, expressing confidence in God's support while hinting at a personal mission against Holofernes. As the act progresses, Judith’s beauty and resolve capture the attention of the men, setting the stage for her audacious plan to confront the Assyrian general and turn the tide of the siege.
Herman Heijermans
The Ghetto: A Drama in Four Acts
"The Ghetto: A Drama in Four Acts" by Herman Heijermans is a dramatic play written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in the Ghetto of Amsterdam and primarily revolves around the conflicts faced by Rafael, a young musician, and his father, Sachel, a blind tradesman. The narrative explores themes of love, identity, cultural tension, and the struggle between personal aspiration and familial duty, particularly as Rafael navigates his relationships with Rosa, a Christian servant, and Rebecca, the daughter of a Jewish businessman. The opening of the play introduces the setting through a lively street scene in the Ghetto, where Sachel's shop stands as a focal point amid vibrant interactions among the characters. We meet Rafael, who is torn between his passion for music and the expectations of his father, who dreams of a more conventional life for his son. The dialogue reveals tensions surrounding Rafael's relationship with Rosa, whom he loves in a context that complicates his identity as a Jew, and hints at conflicts with his father regarding marriage prospects and financial viability. As this world of characters and their interrelations unfolds, it sets the stage for deeper explorations of societal constraints and personal choices against a backdrop of rich cultural heritage.
Recently surfaced classics