Commotion erupts at Akko Festival closing event

The closing ceremony of the Akko Festival of Alternative Israeli Theater ended with a sour note and a flurry that began following director Elder Galor's acceptance speech. Galor, who is one of the creators of the play "Keywords", received the second place award for best play given on behalf of the Akko's mayor.

In his acceptance speech, Galor read a letter written by a 95-year-old audience member that wrote "I don't believe in Zionism any longer, and do not wish to be a part of this fascist country." After reading the letter, Galor added "occupation corrupts, which is the message of the play. It's time to talk about a life of reconciliation and peace between people."

Following Galor's speech, a production crew member from the play "Tateh" got on stage angrily, saying "this is a shame and disgrace. The State of Israel is funding a festival, and people go on stage saying the country has no justification."

Protest could also be heard from members of the audience, who yelled "this is a leftist festival, the selections are politically based".

'Will not act under pressure'. Smadar Yaaron (Photo: Merav Yudilovitch)

The festival's director, Albert Ben Shlush, turned to the festival's artistic directors Smadar Yaaron and Moni Yosef, saying "let it be clear, next year I will be the one selecting the plays that will be featured in the festival".

Akko's mayor, Shimon Lankry, attempted to calm down the spirits, asking "why get angry? Let them talk, these are only words."

'Keywords'. Brave and controversial

The festival's artistic directors, who were surprised by the comments, said "we are shocked by the reaction. We have no intention of acting under pressure and will not cave under censorship. We are completely content with our artistic selections and stand behind them. For the time being, Israel is still a free country with freedom of speech and creation, and we hope it stays that way. We are embarrassed and ashamed that the 30th festival concluded with such a note."

'Abou Ubu in the Meat Market' (Photo: Yohan Segev)

Awards were also given out 

Before things got out of hand, the festival declared its winners. the jury decided to split the award for best play, with a cash prize of ILS 20,000 between the plays "Abou Ubu in the Meat Market" by the El-Hakawati Theatre Company in Jerusalem and Moshe Malka's "Metuko’s Home".

The jury, headed by professor avi oz congratulated the festival, citing its exceptionally high quality and large variety, which made the distribution of awards very difficult. "This year's festival was a delightful and inspiring theatrical celebration," said a member of the jury, which included dance critic and creator Gabi Aldor, artist and creator Honi Hameagel, actress chaula dibsi and actor Josh Sagie.

Explaining their selection of "Abou Ubo in the Meat Market", which is based on Alfred Jarry’s play, adapted and directed by François Abou Salem, the panel of judges wrote: "The award was given for the original and imaginative adaptation of a play that has become a modern classic; the director used versatile elements of space design and props, and especially a virtuoso acting display by François Abou Salem and Adham Nu’man."

As for the play "Metuko's Home", the judges wrote: "The award was given for the creation of a fascinating, lively world, which describes the hardships of members of the Ethiopian community, who's lives circumstances collide between tradition and an impervious reality, while using rich elements of music, singing, dancing and acting."

The second award for best play, with a cash prize of ILS 10,000, given on behalf of the mayor of Akko, was also split between two plays; Pablo Ariel's "Whispering alleys" and Eldar Galor's "Keywords", which was directed by Martin Mugliner.

The panel of judges cited actress Einat Weitzman for her special achievement in the play "Janana" and actor Beyne Getahun for his role in "Metuko's Home". A citation was also given to the team of actors of "A Compensated Experience", and to Ofer Amram, for his chorography of " Sanatorium", which was one of the festival's stand outs.