Margaretta Schwartz

Late 19th century Yiddish theatre performer

Margaretta Schwartz was a notable figure in the late 19th century Yiddish theatre scene, recognized as one of the first distinguished female performers in her field. Alongside her sister Annetta, she formed a prominent part of Abraham Goldfaden's troupe in Romania, commencing her tenure in 1877. The sisters shared the responsibilities of prima donna, bringing their talents to the forefront of Yiddish theatre.

As performers, Margaretta and her sister Annetta were admired for their respectability and classical training as singers. Their professionalism and elegance were particularly noted during their performances in Odessa, Ukraine in the late 1870s. The high quality of their attire, including Parisian dresses that were unprecedented in the city, reflected their refined stage presence. Through their work with Goldfaden's troupe, the Schwartz sisters made a lasting impact on the development of Yiddish theatre, leaving a legacy as pioneering female performers in the industry.