Vienna Theaters Stage Productions on Jewish Life Before 1938, Featuring Composer Alexander von Zemlinsky

Two new theater productions in Vienna explore Jewish life in the city before 1938. 'Isidor,' directed by Philipp Stölzl at the Akademietheater, presents the biographical story of Isidor, a Jewish man who rises from a Galician village to wealth in Vienna, based on research by journalist Shelly Kupferberg. The play depicts his assimilation, success during World War I, and ultimate betrayal and death under Nazi persecution, with his nephew Walter escaping to Palestine. 'Zemlinsky,' written by Felix Mitterer and directed by Stephanie Mohr at the Theater in der Josefstadt, focuses on the forgotten composer Alexander von Zemlinsky. It traces his career, relationships with figures like Johannes Brahms and Arnold Schönberg, his unrequited love for Alma Schindler, his conversion from Judaism, and his flight to the United States, where he died in 1942. His final wish was for his ashes to be returned to Vienna, which occurred in 1985 when he received an honorary grave at the Zentralfriedhof. Both works examine Jewish emancipation, assimilation, and the subsequent systematic persecution, highlighting the destruction of a vibrant cultural milieu. They also reflect on the challenges of staging biographical theater, balancing historical narrative with dramatic presentation.