Image source: NYPL Digital Collection

The Jewish Anna Karenina is a Jewish adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s novel of the same name. It was written by Isidore Zolotarevsky, and produced in 1901-1902. This particular poster advertises a production of the play at the Thalia Theater in New York City, on Bowery, in honor of Leon Blank, with performances by Lady Epstein and Leon Blank.

Translation:

Thalia Theater 46-48 Bowery

All admirers of true artists should not forget to come

On Thursday evening, January 12th

To the benefit of

Mister Leon Blank

For the first time at Thalia Theater

The Jewish

ANNA KARENINA

or The Painter

Story adapted from Count Tolstoy.

Valued public, do not forget 3 things. First, the piece that I play for my benefit is one of the strongest stories that you have ever seen, the story is adapted from Count Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina. Second, this is the evening of honor for Leon Blank. Third, it is on Thursday evening, the 12th of January.

Cast

Lady Epstein – Anna Karenina

Mr. Cohen – Isaac, a musician

Lady Nadolsky – Nettle, a grandma

Mr. Katzmen – Naftali, a peddler

Lady Velensky – Gossi, his wife

Mr. Heyman – Dan, an actor

Lady Bree – A housekeeper

And

Mr. Leon Blank as the Painter

Lipschitz Press, 160 Grand Street, New York

Dorot Jewish Division, The New York Public Library. “Di Idishe Anna Ḳarenina, oder, der peynṭer” The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1899. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/70373310-bbc0-0133-0005-00505686a51c