Louis Freiman

Louis Freiman
לואיס פריימאַן
Born	Leyzer Genyuk 1892 Ostropolye, Volhynian Governorate, Russia
Died	January 30, 1967 New York City
Citizenship	Russian Empire United States
Occupation(s)	Playwright, Vaudeville Actor
Known for	Contributions to Yiddish theatre
Notable work	"Der roiter shabes", "Der blinder moler (The Blind Painter)", "Ir groyser sud (Her Great Secret)"

Louis Freiman (Yiddish: לואיס פריימאַן, 1892 — January 30, 1967) was a notable figure in the world of Yiddish theatre, renowned for his contributions as a playwright. His extensive body of work, spanning several decades, has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of Jewish theatrical expression.

Early life and career

Louis Freiman, originally named Leyzer Genyuk, was born in 1892 in Ostropolye, Volhynian Governorate, Russia. His father was a contractor. He received education in cheders, a yeshiva, and a municipal school in Alt Konstantin. Additionally, he sang with a cantor. In 1907, at the age of 15, he was brought to St. Louis by a cousin, where he adopted his mother's family name. In the initial phase of his career, Freiman balanced his life between work and his passion for the arts. In the evenings, he was employed as a newspaper delivery person, a job that provided him the opportunity to engage with the local community. During this time, Freiman began to cultivate his creative talents by writing short skits for Di yidishe prese, a local Yiddish newspaper. This period is recognized as the early stage of his involvement with the literary and theatrical communities, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to the arts.

Driven by an inherent desire to be involved in the theatrical arts, Freiman took a significant step by establishing a Yiddish dramatic association. This platform not only allowed him to express his creative vision but also served as a venue for showcasing his talent. He wrote two one-act plays for the association, which were duly performed. Among these early works, Der roiter shabes is particularly notable. Set against the backdrop of Shabbat, the play adds a rich cultural layer to Freiman's artistic expression.

Contributions to Yiddish theatre

In 1911, Freiman's journey took him to Chicago, a city with a burgeoning Yiddish vaudeville scene. Here, he became an integral part of the Yiddish vaudeville troupe led by Philip Weisenfreund (who was the father of Paul Muni), contributing over three seasons not only as an actor but also as a playwright. During this prolific period, he penned numerous vaudeville pieces that were subsequently performed by the troupe, indicating his growing influence in the theatrical domain.

Parallel to his vaudeville contributions, Freiman was also engaged in writing plays. Among these, Der blinder moler (The Blind Painter) emerged as a significant work. Staged in the Folks Theatre by David Kessler, the play resonated deeply with audiences, not just in the United States but also in Europe, particularly in Warsaw. The success of Der blinder moler was so profound that, in 1927, the play was published without the knowledge of the author in Shapiro Bookstore.

Through these early endeavors, Freiman laid the foundation for what would become a storied career in the Yiddish theatre, demonstrating not only his artistic prowess but also his dedication to the cultural enrichment of the Yiddish-speaking community. Freiman's work often revolved around melodramas and musical comedies, genres that were immensely popular among Yiddish-speaking audiences. His plays were known for their depth, emotional resonance, and the ability to capture the complexities of Jewish life. Some of his notable works include Ir Groyser Sud (Her Great Secret), Zayn Farshpilte Velt (His Lost World), and Dem Zaydens Gelibte (Grandpa's Sweetheart), among others. His works were not confined to the American stage but also found their way to international venues, including theatres in Buenos Aires.

Notable works

Freiman's career in the Yiddish theatre was marked by numerous successful plays and operettas, staged in prominent theaters in America and around the world. His works often featured music by notable composers, adding depth and appeal to the performances.

• Ir groyser sud (Her Great Secret) (1927): A melodrama staged at Gabel's People's Theatre, featuring Jennie Goldstein and Max Gabel in lead roles.
• Zayn farshpilte velt (His Lost World) (1927): A melodrama staged at Chicago's Palace Theatre and the Rolland Theatre, with music by Sholom Secunda.
• Dem zaydens gelibte (Grandpa's Sweetheart) (1927): Presented at the Public Theatre, the play was complemented by Herman Wohl's music.
• Dos lid fun libe (The Song of Love) (1928): Staged at the Rolland Theatre, this production featured lyrics by H. Gudelman and music by Sholom Secunda.
• Senorita (1928): A musical comedy that found success at the Rolland Theatre and later across many Yiddish theaters globally.
• Tseshterte sonayim (Disturbed Conditions) (1929): Staged at the Teatro Excelsior in Buenos Aires.
• Dos radio meydl (The Radio Girl) (1929): An operetta presented at the Second Avenue Theatre, featuring music by Joseph Rumshinsky.
• Di eybike kale (The Eternal Bride) (1929): Staged at the Prospect Theatre with music by Philip Laskowsky, this play was also performed in Argentina in 1936.
• A meydl on a nomen (A Girl Without a Name) (1929): Presented at the Liberty Theatre.
• Freylekhe teg (Happy Days) (1930): An operetta staged at the Lawndale Theatre in Chicago.
• Der letster tants (The Last Dance) (1930): An operetta that was staged internationally and in Israel in 1960.
• Zise momentn (Sweet Moments) (1930): An operetta featuring music by Sholom Secunda, staged at the Rolland Theatre.
• Parizer libe (Parisian Love) (1931): An operetta presented in Buenos Aires at the Teatro Nuevo.
• Shtif-shvester (Stepsister) (1931): Staged in Philadelphia's Arch Street Theatre and the Rolland Theatre, featuring Jennie Goldstein.
• Dray farlibte (Three Loves) (1931–1932): An operetta that opened the season at the Public Theatre and was later adapted into the film Dem khazns zundl (The Cantor's Son).
• Der vilner khazn (The Vilna Cantor) (1931): An operetta starring William Schwartz, staged at the Metropolitan Theatre in Newark.
• Eygene sonim (1932): Staged by the Adler family in Chicago and across the American province, as well as in New York and London.
• Dos freylekhe shnayderl (The Jolly Tailor) (1932): Staged with Bella Mysell and Herman Yablokoff, and later performed in the Land of Israel.
• Der treviling saylesman (The Traveling Salesman) (1932): Presented at the Second Avenue Theatre.
• Dos lid fun yisroel (The Song of Israel) (1932–33): An operetta that opened the season at the Rolland Theatre, with music by Joseph Rumshinsky.
• Der komediantshtshik (1934): An operetta staged in the Second Avenue Theatre and later in Argentina and Europe.
• An eydem oyf kest (1934): A musical comedy staged at the Hopkinson Theatre, featuring music by Benjamin Blank.
• Fishl der gerotener (1935–36): A musical comedy that opened the season at the Yiddish Folks Theatre, with music by Joseph Rumshinsky and staged by Menasha Skulnik.

Legacy

Louis Freiman passed away in 1967, leaving behind a rich legacy that continued to influence Yiddish theatre and Jewish cultural expression. The impact of his work is evident in the continued study and performance of his plays, reflecting the enduring relevance of his contributions to this art form. His manuscripts and personal papers, preserved in various archives, offer valuable insight into the themes and styles that characterized his artistic vision. The Louis Freiman Papers, housed at the Center for Jewish History, serve as a testament to his prolific career and are an invaluable resource for researchers and enthusiasts of Yiddish theatre.