From: Dr. Haim Shaked, Director
Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies
On behalf of the University of Miami's Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies, I want to express my strong support for the creation of a Holocaust Theater Archive (HTA) in association with the National Jewish Theater Foundation (NJTF) directed by its President and Producing Artistic Director Mr. Arnold Mittelman. The Miller Center has been actively exploring a collaborative relationship with the NJTF, to create a permanent home for this important archive at the University of Miami. A more detailed description of the proposed archive including its initial conference, with my own and other endorsements, has been disseminated by Mr. Mittelman and is enclosed herewith.
At present, no comprehensive archive exists of theater materials and productions related to the Holocaust and there is an urgent need to create one before it is too late. The importance of such an archive as a resource for scholars as well as a basis for future theatrical productions cannot be overstated. This archive will certainly complement other Holocaust-related repositories of materials such as survivor testimonies, books, movies, music and artifacts - all already existing or being developed elsewhere.
Mr. Mittelman, by virtue of his life-long theatrical experience, exceptional
know-how and
entrepreneurship is an ideal person to develop the proposed archive. He is
fully committed to actually
making it happen.
The Miller Center, in collaboration with relevant University of Miami entities
and other external
institutions, is very interested in developing an agreement with the HTA
to become the main repository
for the archive. What is missing is the necessary funding to get started,
develop and maintain the archive.
I sincerely hope you will consider supporting the Holocaust Theatre Archive,
for it is truly a unique and
very significant undertaking.
If you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Dr. Haim Shaked
Director
The Sue and Leonard Miller
Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies