Language:
English
Year of publication:
1998
Titel der Quelle:
Journal of Humanistic Psychology
Angaben zur Quelle:
38,1 (1998) 12-24
Keywords:
Theresienstadt (Concentration camp)
;
Jewish ghettos
;
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)
;
World War, 1939-1945 Jewish resistance
;
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945), and the arts
;
Jews
Abstract:
Discusses musical works written or performed in Theresienstadt. Focuses on "The Emperor of Atlantis", a one-act opera by librettist Peter Kien and composer Viktor Ullmann, which was never performed; although rehearsals had begun, the camp authorities forbade its production. Describes the work as a stunning piece of cultural defiance, which could be understood as describing Hitler's collapsing empire of death. In the opera, Emperor Überall declares universal war and enlists the aid of his ally, Death. However, Death retaliates by breaking his sword so that no one can die. When Ueberall eventually realizes that he is an isolated monster and begs Death to return to work, Death insists that Ueberall be the first to die. Kien and Ullmann were deported in 1944 to Auschwitz, where they perished. The text of the opera was smuggled out of the camp and was first performed, in Kramer's English translation, at the San Francisco Opera in April 1977.
Note:
On cultural activities in Theresienstadt.
,
Another version appeared in "Theatrical Performance during the Holocaust" (1999).
DOI:
10.1177/00221678980381003
URL:
Locate this publication in Israeli libraries
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