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Laughing at the Absurd

SubvertingAuthority

Exposing, challenging and mocking power

Jewish humour has a subversive streak, exposing, challenging and mocking authority. The Purim Shpil is the historical cornerstone of Jewish satire, a folk-theatre tradition of subversive comedy. The Purim Shpil, dating from the fifteenth century (possibly earlier), is a tradition in Jewish culture of challenging authority through humour. It blurs boundaries and embraces chaos in a sanctioned space where social and religious hierarchies are subverted.

Clips

  • The Producers (1968)

    Director: Mel Brooks.

    Brooks famously said, 'If you can reduce the enemy to a ridiculous figure, you've won.' The Producers follows two theatre producers who plan to stage the worst play ever written — a musical designed to fail, entitled Springtime for Hitler. The play undermines the dictator by having him tap-dance. In doing so, Hitler is stripped of his power to terrify.

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  • Eretz Nehederet, 'Ben G'vir Time' (2022)

    Creators: David Lifshitz and Asaf Shalmon.

    Eretz Nehederet (A Wonderful Country) is Israel's premiere satirical sketch show. This sketch, a direct parody of 'Springtime for Hitler', features a caricature of Itamar Ben-Gvir, an ultra-nationalist Israeli politician, performing a song-and-dance routine about his controversial policies. It subverts his authoritative aura by presenting him as a campy stage performer.

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  • Jojo Rabbit (2019)

    Director: Taika Waititi.

    Waititi is a Maori filmmaker from New Zealand, with Jewish lineage. The film features a young boy named Jojo, whose imaginary best friend is a goofy, modern version of Hitler. Hitler is stripped of his terrifying status and is turned into an insecure failure.

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