Key Highlights
- Lasha Shakulashvili discovered early 20th-century Yiddish theater posters in Georgian archives.
- The Tbilisi Yiddish Theater reopened in 2023 after a century, performing “Shema Yisroel.”
- Georgian actress Ana Sanaia produced the revival of Yiddish theater, bringing it back to life.
- The theater’s revival came at a time when Jewish cultural institutions elsewhere faced protests and boycotts.
Rediscovering Lost Cultural Heritage
Lasha Shakulashvili, an Orthodox Christian raised by a Jewish nanny, stumbled upon Yiddish posters from 1910 in Tbilisi’s National Archives. These artifacts revealed the existence of grassroots theater troupes active during Georgia’s Russian Empire days. Shakulashvili, now a Yiddish scholar and digital storyteller, traced these actors’ stories, interviewing Jewish residents who shared their memories.
A Century Later
In 2023, the Tbilisi Yiddish Theater reopened with “Shema Yisroel,” a 1907 drama about Jewish protagonists converting to Christianity. This revival emerged as a beacon of cultural continuity amidst regional tensions and global protests against Jewish institutions.
Collaboration for Continuity
Ana Sanaia, a prominent Georgian actress and director, spearheaded the theater’s production. Her project connects historical Yiddish culture with contemporary Georgian society, showcasing how diverse communities can thrive together.
Legacy of Resilience
Shakulashvili’s work preserves the memory of Ashkenazi Jews who enriched Georgia’s cultural landscape before being overshadowed by more prominent Jewish groups. His efforts highlight the importance of remembering lost histories and celebrating cultural diversity.
