Theme 3 of 7
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.
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.
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.
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.