Tuesday 8 September 2015

The Wandering Jew

Beatrix Lehmann was in the production of this in 1933. It's the only time she was in a play with a religious theme. She appeared in the 4th act only, set during the inquisition, playing the character Olalla Quintana, a Harlot (designation from the play's text).

The 4th part of the play is not so much about religion as anti-Semitism. However, Olalla as the reformed prostitute, is a rather simpering woman. She has one scene with the main character when she mentions that she was picked up yesterday and he accuses her of leading them to him, then one short scene giving testimony in court (only a couple lines). She is brought back in and sentenced to death (for what seems to be the crime of hanging out with a Jew). This is followed by a discussion on the growth of Christianity. It ends with the Jew being burned at the stake for the heresy of being a Jew.

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