Bidspirit auction | Messiah son of Joseph –

Messiah son of Joseph – The “Masad” Dramatic Studio (Labor Battalion), Jerusalem, 1927 - Play by Beinosh Steinman | Translation: Yehuda Yaari Jerusalem: The “Masad” Dramatic Studio, 1927 An early dramatic pamphlet printed as part of the activities of the “Masad” Dramatic Studio in Jerusalem. During the 1920s, the studio operated within a broader cultural framework associated with the activities of the Labor Battalion named after Joseph Trumpeldor, which, alongside its pioneering and organizational endeavors, also initiated educational and theatrical frameworks, viewing Hebrew culture as a foundational element in the construction of a new society in the Land of Israel. The pamphlet contains the play Messiah son of Joseph by Beinosh Steinman, one of the tragic literary figures of the early 20th century, in a translation by Yehuda Yaari—man of letters and theater, who was involved in the early activity of the Hebrew stage. The fact that the work was issued by a dramatic studio, rather than by a commercial literary publisher, points to a direct connection with stage activity, most likely in the context of performance, theatrical work, or study within the studio framework. The cover features a striking graphic ornament: a schematic human figure composed of angular forms, integrated into the title lettering. This is an early modernist design, closely aligned with the language of theatrical graphic design and stage set aesthetics of the 1920s, rather than with traditional book illustration. According to later sources, it is possible that the graphic emblem of the “Masad” theatrical group printed on the cover was designed by Arieh Elhanani, who was also responsible for the costumes and stage design of the play Messiah son of Joseph. This attribution is offered cautiously and is not presented as definitive, but it accords well with the performative character of the design and with the studio’s sphere of activity. The pamphlet constitutes a rare printed remnant of early Hebrew theatrical activity in the Land of Israel, combining literary, theatrical, and historical significance, alongside distinct graphic interest connected to the world of the stage and the pioneering culture of the period. Extent: 16 pages. Dimensions: 20 × 12 cm. Condition: Very good–excellent, with light age-related spotting on the cover.