Story: The Story of Fiddler on the Roof
Summary: The narrative in this story helps participants recall the basic plot of "Fiddler on the Roof." We're reintroduced to Tevye the dairyman and the character of the Fiddler himself. Then we meet Tevye's daughters who are all seeking partners. And we remember, experiencing a wide range of emotions, as each daughter struggles to find their way as individuals, respecting more (or less) the norms and expectations of their family and community.
It ends with the song called "Anatevka" sung by villagers as they pack their things and leave their village and traditions behind.
Page: 1 description
Tevye the dairyman and his daughters
On one level, Fiddler on the Roof is the story of Tevye the dairyman and his daughters.
Page: 2 description
Zero Mostel as Tevye with his daughters from the original Broadway play
In the story, Tevye must balance his love for his daughters, and tradition. <break time="2s"/> Their needs as individuals are in conflict with those of the family and the community.
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Chaim Topol as Tevye with Tzeitel and Motel from the original film
First, Tzeitel bypasses the matchmaker and arranges her own marriage to the poor taylor, Moatl.
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Tevye with Hodel and Perchik
Then, Hodl falls in love with the radical teacher from the big city, Perchik.
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Tevye and Golde
Tevye and Golda struggle to accept their daughters marriages as the modern world brings change to tradition and the village of Anatevka.
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Tevye, Chava and Fyedka
But the challenge of Chava and her marriage to a Russian, proves to be too much for Tevye. <break time="2s"/> He cannot accept it. He said, If I try to bend that far I’ll break.
Page: 7 description
What's left of Tevye's family leaving the town of Anatevka
In the end, the balance between tradition and modernity Tevye seeks, is not to be found. <break time="2s"/> Traditional life in Anatevka is lost for good. <break time="2s"/> Only the fiddler still follows them to America.