Noemí Frenkel: "The enemy is often within"
Noemí Frenkel discusses her latest novel, which explores her identity and ancestral history in relation to broader socio-political themes.
Noemí Frenkel, a prominent figure in film, theater, and television, has recently published a novel titled 'Bosque migrante. Una judía se desarma', which blends autofiction with memoir and travel chronicle. In her work, Frenkel examines her Jewish heritage and the impact of the Holocaust on her family, reflecting on how these historical experiences influence contemporary issues, particularly the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Through her writing, she seeks to cultivate a space for introspection and exploration of her identity amid these broader socio-political dialogues.
Frenkel draws inspiration from her admiration for Simone de Beauvoir, integrating philosophical and political dimensions into her narrative. The novel aims to reinvent her understanding of self by addressing her origins while confronting present-day realities. Frenkel's artistic trajectory showcases her dual passion for performance and literature, with the latter often being a more private element of her career.
The significance of Frenkel's novel lies in its multifaceted approach to identity and history, urging readers to reflect on the complexities of their own pasts and the 'enemies' they might face from within. In a world increasingly fraught with division and conflict, Frenkel’s work emphasizes the importance of self-examination and understanding one's roots as a means of engaging with contemporary issues, particularly those surrounding cultural and national identities.