Image Source: MCNY Digital Collections
The 1901 production of “Der Nayer Meshiekh” (The New Messiah) at the Windsor Theater stands as a landmark of the Yiddish theater’s “Golden Age” in New York. Written by the prolific playwright Jacob Terr, the play was a grand historical operetta that adapted Benjamin Disraeli’s 1833 novel, The Wondrous Tale of Alroy. This choice of source material was highly strategic for theater managers of the era. Disraeli’s romanticized, proto-Zionist account of the 12th-century Jewish “false messiah” David Alroy provided the perfect ingredients for a production, blending Jewish nationalism with the “exotic” eastern settings that captivated immigrant audiences on the Lower East Side.
The story follows David Alroy, a young Jewish prince who embarks on a messianic quest to restore his people’s greatness after fleeing Hamadan for killing an oppressive governor. Guided by the mystic Jabaster, Alroy recovers the legendary sceptre of Solomon and leads a series of brilliant military conquests, eventually capturing Baghdad. However, his ambition is derailed when he marries the Muslim Princess Schirene, leading to a fractured leadership, a failed coup by his former allies, and the eventual death of Jabaster. As his empire crumbles under the weight of political betrayal and bad omens, Alroy is defeated in battle and captured. Refusing to save his life by falsely confessing to sorcery, even after Schirene testifies against him, Alroy chooses a defiant martyrdom and is ultimately beheaded, maintaining a scornful smile to the very end.
Translation:
Windsor Theatre 45-47 Bowery
!!? Messiah is coming ?!!
Yes, the new messiah is already here!
Just as every honest Jew waits for the Messiah, so has the entire Jewish theater-going public waited for
THE NEW MESSIAH which has long been announced by us. And with pride and joy, we inform the worthy Jewish public that this rare and greatest masterpiece IS FINALLY READY! The greatest preparations are being made. No money or labor is being spared, so that without a doubt it shall satisfy all the highest expectations. The “New Messiah” at the Windsor Theatre is the greatest and most sublime masterpiece that the Jewish stage has ever produced.
Therefore, prepare yourselves! Everyone, come!
Friday, Saturday evening, and Sunday matinee,
February 8, 9, and 10, 1901
For the first time
The New
MESSIAH
or
DAVID ALROY
A historical opera from the time of the Babylonian exile, based on Lord Beaconsfield’s novel.
