Much ado about orgasms
Writer-director Dan Israely’s new play ‘Orgasms - The Play’ tackles sensitive sexual issues in a humoristic way that has audiences captivated; his sexologist wife and play’s producer Zehava says ‘People should not be ashamed to discuss orgasms. This is the opening of Pandora’s box’
NEW YORK – The posters advertising writer-director Dan Israely’s new off-Broadway play “Orgasms - The Play ” read, “Los Angeles had a year of orgasms, now it’s New York’s turn.”
Israely, whose show “Israel Today” was aired for 17 years in eight different U.S. cities, says the play deals with the differences between male and female reactions to certain situations.
“I want as far back as I could, to Adam and Eve. I reached the conclusion that nothing has changed,” he says.
Israely, who came to Los Angeles following his military service and holds a Master’s Degree in theater and art, says the play presents situations through humor and goes beyond the accepted boundaries.
“In certain scenes the man speaks to his penis, argues with it, and quarrels with it. It was never dealt with in American theater in such a way. This is the first time,” he says.
When asked whether the American audience has had a hard time digesting the play, Israely says, “I maintained a certain level, and therefore the audience received it nicely. It’s Kosher.”
He says one of the play’s unique qualities is the fact that men and women may enjoy it equally.
Eve almost reaches sexual climax
“The Vagina Monologues preaches for women’s rights - women love it, men don’t,” Israely says. “Our play is intended for couples. To my surprise, elderly people in Los Angeles enjoyed the play thoroughly.”
Israely’s wife Zehava, who runs a sex consultation clinic in Los Angeles and serves as the play’s producer and advisor, says she and her husband are on a mission to present orgasms as a subject that can be discussed.
“People should not be ashamed," she says. "This is the opening of Pandora’s box. Many women began to discuss the issue with their partners after seeing the play.”
Zehava says one of the play's scenes depicts how Eve comes close to reaching an orgasm, but never manages to climax.
“This is true for many women,” she says.
Although the play was showcased in several South American countries and has drawn the interest of European countries too, Dan and Zehava Israely plan to bring the play back home to Israel probably some time next year.
“As opposed to other Israeli plays that are translated into English and appear on Broadway, my play is written in English and I am now working on a Hebrew translation," Israely says. "It could be a huge success in Israel."
Los Angeles Times critic Susan Sherman says in her review of the play, “For a new and often brilliantly refreshing look at the differences between the sexes, playwright Dan Israely’s 'Orgasms - The Play’ offers lots more than laughs. The insights supplied will have you talking and thinking for hours.”
