Nina Mihoals Daughter of the brilliant actor, director and public figure Solomon Mikhoels Date of Birth: 15.09.1925 Country: Russia

1. Childhood Memories and the Absence of a Father
2. A Multifaceted Father
3. Partnership, Responsibility, and the Jewish Anti-Fascist Committee
4. The Influence of Theater on Nina's Career
5. The Jewish Motif in Mikhoels's Work
6. Traditions and Language
7. Identity and Nationalism
8. Culture in the Face of Militarism

Childhood Memories and the Absence of a Father

Nina Mikhoels, daughter of the renowned actor, director, and public figure Solomon Mikhoels, shared her childhood memories and the impact her father had on her life. "My father was an extraordinarily gentle man who radiated warmth," she recalled. However, despite his presence, young Nina felt a void due to his constant involvement with the theater.

She described her father as "a man who was torn apart" by the demands of his profession. As a result, she often found herself seeking his attention through unconventional means, such as deliberately getting sick or disrupting his rehearsals.

A Multifaceted Father

Nina spoke of her father's diverse interests and exceptional intellect. Mikhoels had earned degrees in mathematics and law, and his passion extended to philosophy and philology. Despite his mastery of the Russian language, it was not his native tongue.

Mikhoels's brilliance extended to his role as general at weddings and funerals. His absence from his daughters' lives was not out of neglect but rather a reflection of his unwavering commitment to his work.

Partnership, Responsibility, and the Jewish Anti-Fascist Committee

Nina characterized her father as a "Brechtian 'man who could not say no.'" His unwavering sense of partnership attracted people regardless of their nationality. She realized the true depth of his character only after his passing.

As a member of the Jewish Anti-Fascist Committee, Mikhoels did not seek a prominent role but assumed responsibility due to his international connections, logical thinking, and deep patriotism. He demonstrated his courage by intervening in a public altercation, despite the woman's dismissive response.

The Influence of Theater on Nina's Career

Growing up in a theatrical environment, Nina naturally absorbed the language and thought processes of the stage. Despite her father's attempts to steer her away from the arts, she found herself drawn to the profession.

After working as an electrician and pursuing studies in theater, Nina ultimately became a director and acting teacher. Even today, she feels her father's presence in her work, wondering what he would say about her productions.

The Jewish Motif in Mikhoels's Work

Nina acknowledged the prominent role of the Jewish motif in her father's work, including his time at the Jewish Theater. However, she emphasized that his мышление ("thinking") was not confined to any one culture. Mikhoels sought to transcend the limitations of the ghetto, promote respect for all cultures, and embrace the diversity of human experience.

Traditions and Language

Despite her mother's rabbinical background, traditions were not strictly observed in the Mikhoels household due to lack of time. Nina expressed her regret over this but acknowledged her father's belief that faith should not restrict knowledge.

Upon immigrating to Israel, Nina faced the challenge of learning Hebrew. Despite her linguistic difficulties, she gradually mastered the language through associative methods. While grammar remained an insurmountable obstacle, she has successfully taught acting in Hebrew for 28 years.

Identity and Nationalism

Nina places a high value on human character above all else and believes that every individual and culture deserves respect. She recalled an incident in which she physically defended an Armenian girl against a derogatory slur.

When asked about her sense of belonging, Nina expressed a dual connection to both Israel and Russia. She noted the similarities between Israeli and American Judaism and recognized the psychological motivations of some immigrants to distance themselves from their former home. However, she maintains a strong connection to Russia and acknowledges the nostalgia she feels in the autumn.

Culture in the Face of Militarism

Nina believes that Israeli culture thrives despite the challenges of militarism. She acknowledges that political conditions create obstacles, but she emphasizes the resilience of human expression. As a historical and contested territory, Israel serves as a nexus of conflicting narratives, both Jewish and Arab.