Purim 2026

Purimshpiel is a traditional comic performance given in honour of the holiday of Purim. Original purimshpiel plots were based on the Book of Esther. Variations on this theme gave rise to an entire genre of Jewish satire, comic poems, and parodies. Gradually, the boundaries of the theatrical performance expanded and evolved into masquerades as part of the Purim celebration.
Purimshpiel formed the basis of the Jewish theatrical tradition, which you can learn more about in our virtual exhibition "Jewish Theater beyond the Capitals" – https://russiainphoto.ru/exhibitions/1586/#1
In the illustration: the great actor of the Moscow State Theatre Veniamin Zuskin as the Jester in the play "King Lear." 1935. Engraving by V. Tarasov.