Special to UM News

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (January 25, 2017)—Creating the first comprehensive university-based program of its kind, the National Jewish Theater Foundation’s pioneering Holocaust Theater International Initiative has become part of the University of Miami’s Sue and Leonard Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies.

The Holocaust Theater International Initiative (HTII) aims to advance research and educational programs—as well as encourage theatrical productions—in support of its focus on the importance and relevance of Holocaust-related theater in educating about and commemorating the millions of Jews and other people who were systematically murdered in Nazi death camps. Among its many assets is the Holocaust Theater Catalog, which includes synopses and other relevant information about more than 700 theater works from 1933 to present.

Since 2007, the NJTF has presented theatrical works that celebrate the richness of Jewish heritage and culture. Under the leadership of its founder and president, Arnold Mittelman, the NJTF promotes the appreciation and preservation of Jewish musical and dramatic theatrical art. As one of the foremost performing arts organizations to focus exclusively on Jewish theater, NJTF is committed to educating the public on Jewish content and themes. NJTF productions are presented to diverse audiences across America and throughout the world.

It was their commitment to celebrating Jewish history, culture, and artistry that inspired the leaders of NJTF to launch the HTII to fill a major void and examine how one of the greatest catastrophes in Jewish and world history has been made more understandable through the insights, creativity, and courage of Jewish and non-Jewish theatrical works during and since the Holocaust. As part of UM’s Miller Center, HTII is the first comprehensive university-based initiative focused on Holocaust-related theater research and educational programs, as well as encouraging related theatrical productions.

“Several years ago, over a lunch meeting, I proposed to Arnold Mittelman that he create a project dealing with Holocaust related-theater—an important aspect of the Holocaust and its lessons that had not been systematically covered,” said Haim Shaked, founding director of the UM Miller Center.

“Arnold, vigorously took on the challenge and, remarkably, developed the HTII to where it is today,” Shaked added. “I more than welcome the formal joinder of the HTII with the UM Miller Center, where we hope HTII will develop into its full capacity and make a significant contribution to educating about and commemorating the Holocaust.”

Developed by more than 50 nationally recognized Holocaust scholars, archivists, and theater artists, the HTII grew out of a series of planning conferences and with a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and support from private donors.

“NJTF/HTII at UM Miller Center is greater than any one individual or institution and invites collaboration by artists, authors and playwrights, educators, students, Holocaust memorial organizations, audiences and those people who wish to use all aspects of theater research and analysis, performance, production and related training techniques as an artistic and moral compass that will educate and inspire current and future generations,” Mittelman said.