Theater festival in Jerusalem tackles Israel-Diaspora ties

Not many people know that Jerusalem is an important center of a unique kind of theatrical activity. For several years now, groups of young English-speakers in Jerusalem have been acting in community theaters and putting on plays and other theatrical productions in English.

Their creative work addresses issues that are unique to them and their community, but are also relevant to Israeli society as a whole, including Israel-Diaspora relations and the trials and tribulations of immigrants who made a conscious choice to live here.

These theater companies observe Israeli and Jewish society from a complex perspective that recognizes and accepts differences and disparities.

Play to be featured in Beit Avi Chai festival

Now, for the first time, Beit Avi Chai, in collaboration with Merkaz Hamagshimim Hadassah, is holding a special festival devoted entirely to English-language theater in Jerusalem and elsewhere. The Stage One festival will take place during Pesach, from March 31 to April 2. It will feature plays, stand-up comedy, improv, jazz concerts and more.

Theater companies slated to take part in the festival include JEST, Encore, and Center Stage Theater. Among the artists scheduled to perform are comedian Benji Lovitt, rocker Ben Draiman and female vocal group Mycale.

For further information, visit the Beit Avi Chai website: www.bac.org.il

and the Merkaz Hamagshimim Hadassah website: www.themerkaz.org.il