immigrants could americanize. After World War I, Yiddish theater in America began to show signs of a struggling show business. Restricted immigration and a demographic movement away from New York City's old neighborhoods affected the Yiddish theater's prosperity. Ever-increasing assimilation by immigrants continually pushed Yiddish language and Yiddish theater out America. English words made their way into Yiddish dialogue while American mainstream productions influenced Yiddish productions. Just like had occurred in German theaters, the younger generation of immigrants preferred English-language, americanized theater, shows and films. With time, the Yiddish theater's audience decreased, and Yiddish plays were placed on limited runs. Just as in theater in general, the Yiddish theater's demise would come with the spread of film and television. The domination of Hebrew also drove out Yiddish language and Yiddish theater. Hitler and Stalin were responsible for the waning of Yiddish culture. They destroyed old world sources and texts of Yiddish language and culture. Nonetheless, today there are Jewish organizations and centers that sponsor theater-related events. And many are still interested in making Yiddish theater accessible especially since Yiddish theater still resonates with American Jews because it carries memories of their ancestors and cultural traditions. In culture The theater is the setting for the 2013 fictional play, The Nance. References Notes Sources External links Undated photograph showing 'burlesk' sign in contrast to 1938 'follies' Burlesque theatres German-American culture in New York City Cultural history of New York City Music venues in Manhattan Former theatres in Manhattan Former cinemas in the United States Yiddish theatre in the United States Jewish theatres Jews and Judaism in Manhattan Theatres completed in 1888 Buildings and structures demolished in 1984 Gramercy Park 1888 establishments in New York (state) 1984 disestablishments in New York (state)