Shani Peretz. Socialist play
צילום: תומריקו
Israeli working class heroine on London stage
Shani, daughter of Defense Minister Amir Peretz, plays leading role in Camden People's Theatre's 'Red Oleander'; Peretz portrays character that inspires oppressed miners to rebel against employers. 'I'm very attracted to work that makes a social statement,' she says
LONDON - The show must go on: After a long and exhausting month of morning-to-night rehearsals, actress Shani Peretz went on stage in London last Thursday for her debut theatrical performance. Unfortunately, her father, Defense Minister Amir Peretz, could not be there to give her a big, proud hug after the show, as more pressing matters required him to stay in Israel.
Shani, who only recently completed her theater studies in the British capital, took a break after graduating and returned to Israel for several months to help her father with his election campaign.
Upon her return to London she went to audition for the Camden People's Theatre production "Red Oleander," by Nobel Prize laureate, Indian playwright Rabindranath Tagore, and won the leading role after charming the selection committee with her Hebrew singing of Shir Hama'alot (Psalms of David).
In the play, Peretz plays the role of Nandini, a mysterious and beautiful girl who arrives to a mythological world where miners are treated as no more than numbers. Nandini inspires them to rebel against their employers.
"I'm very attracted to theatrical work that makes a social statement as well," Peretz said. "This is a socialist play, and the price that the heroine realizes she will have to pay gradually grows until she gets to a point where she is willing to sacrifice herself for the revolution."
Interested in Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Peretz, who is represented by an agent in London, hopes to continue with her acting career and is currently looking into other proposals. "I would also like to deal with materials which focus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," she stated.
Peretz's mother Achlama and her three brothers are set to arrive in London during the coming month and watch the play, but it's doubtful whether father Amir will be able to attend as well.
Referring to the current situation in Israel, Shani said: "I'm here and there at the same time. Especially with what the state and Sderot are going through now, and the fact that dad is constantly preoccupied with that."
