Yesterday when I left my house and went to work, I didn’t imagine what
kind of evening I was heading for. I knew the play I was going to see was: “For
You Have Chosen Us”. I believe this play is breathtaking and highlights an
immense problem, especially in Israel. I was told to be on the 2nd
floor and check people’s tickets before entering. What I didn’t know was that
the people weren’t really the people I expected. The people were running,
screaming and being aggressive towards each other and not to forget: still in
high school! First of all, I’m aware of the fact that I’m not a big fan of kids
and that’s why I do NOT work in a kindergarten. I tried to take a deep breath,
but Israeli children are clearly too much for me. When opening the doors I
actually thought they were going to squish me. They pushed me, tried to get in
without showing their ticket, scream their lungs out and hitting on me
simultaneously. And to make the story even better, they threw a heavy dustbin
on my foot… TWICE! I mean, ok, I understand that they are in their puberty face
but, seriously?!
The story of the play is a real difficult one. It
discusses the life of the religious Hasson family who has just lost their loving
mother and wife. When finding out after her death that she was the daughter of
a Nazi couple, meaning she was not Jewish, their whole life changes. The play
argues the importance and meaning of being a “real” Jew. The whole play goes
together with an impressing trio singing religious songs throughout the scenes.
In my opinion this is one of the best plays I have seen
in Israeli theater, but please make sure that if you go there are no high
school kids coming!!!!!!!
On another day of work I had the pleasure of
working on the premier of the play "The Visit of the Old Lady".
Premiers have a nice atmosphere, people suddenly get dressed up, small
appetizers, a lot of famous people in the audience and of course the enthusiasm
of the unknown. The minute I got the e-mail with my work schedule, I got some
more information about the actors and content of the play. The famous actress
Gila Almagor and the legendary singer/actor Yehoram Gaon play the leading
roles. This specific day I had the delight of working in the entrance of the
building, guiding people where to go. Since the building is massive, a lot of
people get lost. But "luckily" I was there to help and lead the entering audience to the
right entrance :)
The play discusses the visit of the billionaire Claire
(Gila Almagor). Claire returns after several years to her hometown to get
revenge on the man who broke her heart, or in her words: “get justice”. When
she arrives to the small town, everyone is waiting for her coming. People
expect Clair to be generous but they never could have imagined what they would
need to “pay” in return. In front of Ill (Yehoram Gaon), Claire’s former
husband, and the whole town, Claire states that she is ready to donate a
billion, but she expects Ill’s life in return....
I believe the play is
magnificent and it is a “must-see” show.
The second play I saw in HaBima is named "The Beauty Queen of Leenane" by Martin McDonagh. There are four different venues in the theater and this play is on the third floor of the immense building. When working during the "The Beauty Queen of Leenane"I notice that a different public is entering the theater than the public I met in "I Gave Her My Life". I don't know why, but people look more serious and they are sort of annoyed because there is no where to sit in the foyer. Of course I understand them, but I can't really do anything but nod my head and smile at them.
The play is a melodramatic black comedy about the life of a woman, Maureen, and her mother living in an Irish village, Leenane. Maureen is 40 years old, unmarried, and takes care of her selfish mother. Her mother always nags about Maureen's life and she commands her to do everything in the household. When the displeased Maureen finally meets a man who wants to be with her, her mother tries to manipulate their relationship so Maureen won't leave the house. The story is very interesting and the actors are exceptionally convincing. The mercy Maureen shows towards her mother is something that, I believe, many people can personally relate to.
In short, the play has a good story and it gives you factors to think about in your life.
After five long years, the renovated theater in the heart of Tel Aviv opens his doors to the audience. I, as a new worker of the theater, was of course extremely excited of working in this amazing building that everyone in Tel Aviv talks about.
The first show I saw, named "I Gave Her My Life", is a musical comedy based on the songs of the famous Israeli singer Dani Sanderson. After checking the tickets of all the excited and joyful people I also entered the impressive theater. The story is about the life of Yoram Zuckerman, a young gentleman who is not content about the way life treats him. A moment before he gives up, he meets a girl who changes his point of view on life. The story is filled with love, laughter and emotions. Every few minutes the actors open with a new song that is known to most of the audience. It is really funny to sit next to the audience and hear all the crowd make this musical in to a "sing-a-long" play! The duration of the play is two and a half hours, but time flies by when watching the actors sing, dance and entertain the audience with their astonishing acting.
I truly recommend going to this show if you feel like having a lovely evening and singing Sanderson's songs on your way back home! :)
