I am very interested in Yiddish theatre and am now doing a study of it. I would very much like to know anything you could tell me about the actual Yiddish theatres of New York City that were on Second Avenue. Also could you tell me something about which of the plays of Shalom Aleichem, i. l. Peretz and Mendele Mocher Soferim were actually performed; and who are the other playwrights whose plays were actually performed. Thank you very much.

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The following sites may be helpful in finding information:

1. The Museum of the City of New York has an extensive Yiddish Theater Collection. It consists of a wide variety of material pertaining to Yiddish theater primarily in New York City. They have much archival material and should definitely be able to help you. http://www.mcny.org

2. The American Jewish Historical Society - one of the largest repositories of American-Jewish information. http://www.ajhs.org/

3. YIVO, also in New York City, has one of the largest repositories of American-Jewish collections and information. http://www.yivoinstitute.org/

4. See also the Yiddish Theatre Archives at : http://www.yap.cat.nyu.edu/

5. Check out the Second Avenue Klezmer Ensemble ( California) whose music reflects a revival of interest in this music that blends the Jewish folk music of Eastern Europe with the songs of the Yiddish theatre. Now we know why they called themselves what they did! http://secondavenueklezmer.com/