While many Jewish filmmakers choose to write their own material and draft their own stories, others turn to interpretation. This program compares two films that share biographical features, Yentl and A Tale of Love and Darkness. Though released decades apart, both were directed by acclaimed actresses making their directorial debuts, Barbara Streisand and Natalie Portman respectively. In both cases, these women notably adapted literary works written by men, often shifting the complicated gender politics of the source material. And, in both cases, the star power of the actresses was essential in getting the films made.

As pat of "Adapting Jewish Literature," the Taube Center is thrilled to collaborate with Moment Magazine on a roundtable discussion of these works. Historian Fania Oz-Salzberger will share personal insights about her father, acclaimed Israeli writer Amos Oz, and his autobiographical novel A Tale of Love and Darkness and author and educator Ruby Namdar will consider the film and the legacy of the memoir. Critic and playwright Rokhl Kafrissen will explore Yentl, based on a play and short story by Isaac Bashevis Singer, the image of Yiddish, and the bottomless appeal of Mandy Patinkin.

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