The Dybbuk by Ansky

The Dybbuk is a collection of stories that explore the ancient and fascinating concept of a dybbuk, a dead person's soul that possesses a living person, within Jewish folklore from Eastern Europe. These tales, never before translated, offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Jewish mystical traditions, including possessions, transmigration, fairy tales, parables, and miracles. Each story is a window into a world where the supernatural and the everyday intersect, revealing the deep cultural and spiritual beliefs of the time. The collection is a treasure trove for those interested in folklore, mysticism, and the enduring power of storytelling. /n/n The stories in The Dybbuk are not just tales of the supernatural; they are also a reflection of the societal and cultural context in which they were created. They provide insights into the lives and beliefs of the Jewish communities in Eastern Europe, their struggles, and their hopes. The collection is a testament to the enduring power of folklore in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage. It is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the mystical and the historical, offering a unique blend of the eerie and the enlightening.

Reviews

Peter Wyngarde Blog · Peter Wyngarde · 2022-10-09

timeless 4.75

The play reflects Ansky's deep perception of the shtetl's religious and cultural mores, offering insightful appreciation of its complexities. It is a timeless exploration of faith and tradition.

Peter Wyngarde praises The Dybbuk for its deep perception of the shtetl's religious and cultural mores, highlighting Ansky's insightful appreciation of its complexities. He sees the play as a timeless exploration of faith and tradition, capturing the essence of a world that is both mystical and deeply human. Wyngarde also notes the play's ability to resonate with contemporary audiences, making it a relevant and powerful piece of theater. The emotional depth and cultural richness of the play are particularly emphasized, making it a significant work in the realm of Yiddish drama.

Quick quotes

The Dybbuk reflects Ansky's deep perception of the shtetl's religious and cultural mores, as well as his insightful appreciation of its complexities.

It is a timeless exploration of faith and tradition, capturing the essence of a world that is both mystical and deeply human.

The emotional depth and cultural richness of the play are particularly emphasized, making it a significant work in the realm of Yiddish drama.

Literariness · 2020-09-17

poignant 4.00

The play is an evocation of the mystical world of shtetl Hasidim, capturing a culture that was vanishing even during Ansky's time. It is a drama that blends spiritual and material forces in a compelling narrative.

The reviewer sees The Dybbuk as a powerful evocation of the mystical world of shtetl Hasidim, a culture that was already disappearing when Ansky wrote the play. They appreciate how the drama intertwines spiritual and material forces, creating a rich tapestry of human experience. The reviewer also notes the play's ability to capture the essence of a vanishing world, making it a poignant and timeless piece. The emotional and cultural depth of the play is particularly highlighted, making it a significant work in the realm of Yiddish theater.

Quick quotes

The play is an evocation of the mystical world of shtetl Hasidim, which makes it a drama about a culture that was vanishing even when Ansky was writing.

It is a human drama in a world of spiritual and material forces, intertwined and influencing one another.

The emotional and cultural depth of the play is particularly highlighted, making it a significant work in the realm of Yiddish theater.

The New York Times · 2010-08-22

profound 4.50

The play is a pre-eminent work of Yiddish theater, dramatizing the Ashkenazi Jewish myth of a dislocated soul. It captures the essence of a vanishing culture with deep emotional resonance.

The reviewer highlights The Dybbuk as a significant piece of Yiddish theater, delving into the Ashkenazi Jewish myth of a dislocated soul. They appreciate how the play encapsulates the spiritual and cultural richness of a world that was already fading during Ansky's time. The story's emotional depth and cultural significance are particularly noted, making it a profound exploration of faith, love, and the supernatural. The reviewer also emphasizes the play's timeless relevance, as it continues to resonate with audiences today.

Quick quotes

Ansky's play is a pre-eminent work of Yiddish theater, dramatizing the Ashkenazi Jewish myth of a dislocated soul that inhabits a living person.

The story's emotional depth and cultural significance are particularly noted, making it a profound exploration of faith, love, and the supernatural.

The play captures the essence of a vanishing culture with deep emotional resonance.

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