It has been many decades since “Fiddler on the Roof”, a musical and movie was made but it still has a message to tell.
Fiddler on the Roof is the story of a Jewish community in Russia at the start of the last century. The times were turbulent with persecution and unrest, and the family on which the tale focuses has its own internal struggles with poverty and change.
The play was based on “Tevye the Dairyman” amongst other short stories by Sholem Aleichem, and the musical was created from the play, with a score by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and a book by Joseph Stein. To learn more about the history of this musical watch the Youtube video.
The authenticity in the film is striking, as you will see from the video, and that goes for the costumes as well as the sets. This short video on YouTube shows some of the original Broadway stage costume designs by Patricia Zipprodts. For the film, Joan Bridge and Elizabeth Haffenden worked to create the same authentic feel of a poor family and community, but closer inspection of the costumes reveals that many of the pieces were handwoven and hand stitched, made to look older and worn by skilled techniques. This article about the costuming tells how some of the pieces came about.
“Fiddler on the Roof” is a celebration and also a cautionary tale. It is still as relevant today as it was in 1964 when it was first seen on on the New York stage, a reminder that nothing stays the same and the only constant is change.