NJTF/HTII has recognized many remarkable individuals and organizations with its Lifetime Achievement Award. The award memorializes their contribution to Jewish cultural identity and the power of theater in Holocaust awareness.
The ceremonies have taken place in New York City, London, Paris, Miami, and San Diego. Honorees have included: Actors Theodore Bikel*, Jack Klugman*, Sir Antony Sher*, Henry Goodman and actress Tovah Feldshuh; Playwrights Alfred Uhry, Martin Sherman, Sir Ronald Harwood*, French Playwright Jean Claude Grumberg, Composers Jerry Bock* and Lyricist Sheldon Harnick*, Educators Dr. Robert Skloot, Dr, Alvin Goldfarb, West End Producer Duncan Weldon*, New York Producer/Artistic Director Todd Haimes (Roundabout Theatre Company) and Lynne Meadow (Manhattan Theater Club). Special recognition honorees for launching NJTF/HTII Remembrance Readings included Artistic Directors David Ellenstein (North Coast Repertory Theatre), Barry Edelstein (The Old Globe), and Christopher Ashley ( La Jolla Playhouse). Special Citations have been awarded to American Playwright Sherman Yellen for Rothschild & Sons, American Composer John Kander for Cabaret, and Ruth Ellen Gordon for her 20 years of leadership at Miami, Florida based Holocaust Impact Theater.
Mr. Elie Wiesel* and his wife Marion* were honored at the New York Public Library at Lincoln Center for Performing Arts for his Holocaust plays and her translations of them.
Future NJTF HTII Awards will also include prominent citizens and funders of the National Jewish Theater Foundation – Holocaust Theater International Initiative who have provided the support needed to launch and sustain this critically needed not-for-profit, tax-deductible arts and education organization.
We thank them and invite you to become part of the NJTF/HTII Second Decade Legacy Fund.
*of blessed memory
Photo credit: Aaron Rumley
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On January 27, 2025, The National Jewish Theater Foundation presented its 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award to Alfred Uhry.
The presentation took place as part of the Lincoln Center Library event in commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day on the 80th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. Mr. Uhry will add his insights on how theater plays a key role in dealing with antisemitism and the Holocaust. His body of work, which includes Driving Ms. Daisy, Last Night at Ballyhoo, Parade and LoveMusik has through his artistry helped to further our mission.
The discussion included creatives behind the musicals, Rothschilds & Sons, Cabaret, and Parade. Sherman Yellen and Jeffrey B. Moss, the author and director of Rothschilds & Sons, Alfred Uhry, author of Parade, Driving Ms. Daisy, Last Night at Ballyhoo, LoveMusik and Dr. Alvin Goldfarb, lead scholar for the NJTF HTII Holocaust Theater Catalog. The program also included a recorded interview with John Kander, composer of Cabaret and show clips
from the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive. Arnold Mittelman, NJTF President and HTII Founding Director, who is a producer, director, and educator was the moderator and presenter of the award to Mr. Uhry.
Mr. Uhry will be joining prior award recipients including playwrights; Martin Sherman, Sir Ronald Harwood, Jean - Claude Grumberg and Elie Wiesel and composers; Jerry Bock and lyricist Sheldon Harnick.
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On September 30, 2024, French playwright, Monsieur Jean-Claude Grumberg received the Lifetime Achievement Award presented by NJTF HTII President, Arnold Mittelman at the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire du judaïsme. The event was sponsored by Fondation pour la Mémoire de la Shoah and hosted by Dominique Trimbur, PhD. Fondation pour la Mémoire de la Shoah; Head of the projects "History of Anti-Semitism and the Holocaust" and "Holocaust Education".
“We have among us an artist who has given us all the gift of that understanding. Who has arguably written more plays about the Holocaust than any other playwright. Who has spent his entire creative life and prolific imagination in service of our enlightenment. It is therefore my honor to present the National Jewish Theater Foundation Holocaust Theater International lifetime achievement award to your renowned countryman and citizen of the world Jean-Claude Grumberg. “
Arnold Mittelman Paris September 30th 2024
See a list of Mr. Grumberg's plays on our Holocaust Theater Catalog