This captivating documentary showcases the work and life of Celia Dropkin, one of the greatest Yiddish poets renowned for her erotic poetry that both scandalized and delighted readers during the 1920s and 30s. Considered a radical figure during her lifetime, Dropkin fearlessly explored themes of desire, passion, and physical sensuality in her writing, leaving an indelible mark on literature.
In this film, powerful dramatic readings, archival footage, historic recordings, and dazzling animations bring her pioneering poems to life.
The film also shares excerpts from her letters and unpublished memoir, revealing intimate secrets. Her seductive writing ultimately provided a model for future generations of Jewish-American artists.
Her poetry is described with adjectives such as “shocking” and “seductive,” though perhaps the biggest shock is how modern much of this poetry sounds a century on.
As well as painting a portrait of a trailblazing, lesser-known poet, “Page” provides fascinating insight into New York Yiddish culture in the 1920s.
She serves as an inspiration to current musicians—such as Frank London of The Klezmatics—who have set her poetry to music, the film demonstrates why Celia Dropkin’s work is deserving of a revival.
Burning Off The Page:
The Life and Art of Celia Dropkin, an Erotic Yiddish Poet
Yiddish writer Celia Dropkin (1887 – 1956) both shocked and delighted New York literary society of the 1920s and 1930s with her poetic depictions of the passions, yearnings, exaltations and celebration of the body.