Romanfabrik e.V.

In the 1960s, an oriental Jew manages to pull off an espionage coup in Syria's highest government circles under a false identity. He will pay for it with his life ... At the end of the 19th century, a young woman disguises herself as a man so that she can study at a Talmud school. And in 1945, what was once Berlin's most famous clown only survives the concentration camp by living as a dog, barking and making men, amusing the sadistic camp commandant ... Frankfurt director, author and dubbing artist Stéphane Bittoun has woven these and other Jewish stories, some of which are true, into a scenic and musical evening about the often vital, usually dangerous and sometimes fun game of identity: "Jews Undercover." Because acting undercover means remaining inconspicuous, flying under the radar, camouflaged and sometimes under different identities. Is this game with identity a specifically Jewish phenomenon? Even a Jewish talent? A burden? A blessing or a curse? Bittoun invites us on a journey through films, novels and short stories. He has combed through newspaper archives, the Bible and intimate diaries in Israel and does not even stop at his own family history.

Bittoun combines readings with acting and film projections - and, as in the brilliant big city reading "Taxi Driver", performs with the double bass player Gregor Praml, who once again provides congenial musical accompaniment in this program. And no matter how much sailor's yarn seems to be spun into it, each of the stories always conveys a spark of truth ... Idea, direction and reading: Stéphane Bittoun. Music: Gregor Praml. In cooperation with the Jewish Community Frankfurt as part of the Jewish Culture Weeks 2025.

Photo: Stephan Bittoun, To Kuehne & Gérard Bittoun

22.10., 7.30 p.m.

Romanfabrik, Hanauer Landstr. 186, Frankfurt

2for1: 20 €

22.10., 18.30-19 h, box office