We Played On

International Premiere

Stranded in Australia mid-world tour as World War II broke out, two stars of Europe’s renowned Vilna Troup of Yiddish actors find themselves in "ek velt" (the end of the world). Surrounded by a bunch of passionate amateurs, the actor/directors Rachel Holzer and Jacob Waislitz propelled Yiddish theatre in Melbourne to new heights. The David Herman Theatre Group became a stage phenomenon that spanned more than five decades and forged Melbourne’s legacy as one of the world’s most vibrant centers for Yiddish culture. Having survived the ravages of the Holocaust, the players formed a tight circle, with all the camaraderie, drama and intimacy of a theatre troupe coupled with the closeness of family. Most of all, they gave their audiences a longed-for taste of home.