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Andrew Lim, Playwright, Theatre Director
This column aims to provide valuable insight for those, particularly residents of New York, who often see the term 'Off-Broadway' when purchasing tickets online and wonder about its meaning.
Broadway refers to the famed theatre district along a street in Manhattan, New York, renowned for large-scale productions. But what exactly is Off-Broadway? People often mistakenly believe it refers to performances held outside the Broadway area. However, this understanding is fundamentally flawed. Some large musicals staged just two blocks away from Broadway remain Broadway productions. Interestingly, some Off-Broadway theatres are even closer to Broadway.
Many readers may now be urging me to get to the point. Off-Broadway was originally not a geographical term. As Broadway shows began pursuing commercialism, prioritizing expensive stars in line with the 'star system,' theatre artists rebelled. They called for a return to the essence of theatrical art, leading to the Off-Broadway movement. Yet, as Off-Broadway productions began mirroring Broadway trends, radical artists pursued 'Off-Off-Broadway,' promoting avant-garde and experimental theatre.
Today, Broadway and Off-Broadway are often distinguished by theatre size. However, there's growing skepticism among artists about the continued vitality of Off-Off-Broadway.
In this edition, let's discuss the classic musical 'Fiddler on the Roof' currently on Off-Broadway. With its well-known film adaptation, many are likely familiar with its story. Set in 1905, amidst the Russian Revolution in the Ukrainian village of Anatevka, the narrative follows Tevye, a devout Jewish father of five, grappling with changing traditions as his daughters choose their own partners.
Characterized by wisdom from the Talmud, Tevye's internal strife is subtly highlighted through his repeated monologue, "On the other hand." The musical concludes with Tevye and his family departing amid Russian expulsion orders.
Beyond its well-crafted plot, the title itself is intriguing. Playing a violin on a roof symbolizes the precarious balancing act between tradition and change. While some viewers might find this metaphor overt, the Off-Broadway performance adeptly utilizes theatricality to enhance its resonance. A violinist appears beside Tevye during pivotal monologues, illustrating his struggle to maintain balance amidst evolving norms.
To conclude, it's noteworthy that the Off-Broadway setting offers distinct creative advantages for 'Fiddler on the Roof,' originally a 1964 Broadway debut. Unlike Broadway's lavish stages, Off-Broadway relies on actors’ performances, transforming the violin’s literary metaphor into a potent theatrical symbol. Audiences discover the immersive allure of theatre, transcending direct visual representation, through this Off-Broadway interpretation.
Theatres featuring 'Fiddler on the Roof':
Andrew Lim
Playwright, Theatre Director, Critic, Freelance Writer, Resident Director at MAT Theatre
Education: Central University and Graduate School of Theatre, New York University Graduate School, Playwriting and Theatre Direction.
