Moderator: Prof. Roy Horovitz –Chair of the Drama and Theatre Program at Bar-Ilan University and lectures on Israeli theatre at universities across the USA. An actor and director in Israel and internationally.
Selected work: My Zakopane, The Advertisement, Life License, une Chanson pour la Croissant, The Final Final Solution.
Ha’alehu – Biblical drama
Based on Fear and Trembling by Søren Kierkegaard
Written and directed by Guy Israeli
Jaffa Theatre
Inspired by Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, the play explores the profound questions raised by Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son. Through a story told and retold across generations, it confronts the fragile boundaries between devotion and cruelty, belief and uncertainty; and the unbearable weight of human choice. An intimate and unsettling theatrical journey into the depths of faith, love, and the silence which remains when a divine command is given.
A Simple Story – Tragicomic moral parable
Based Shmuel Yosef Agnon’s Book
Adapted and directed by Yotam Gotal
The Jerusalem Khan Theatre
Hirshl Hurvitz falls under the spell of Blume Nacht, a poor orphan who works in his family’s household. But his mother opposes and arranges a match for him with the wealthy Mina. But Hirshl remains tormented by his first love, which drives him to the brink of madness. A Simple Story is a bold and poetic reimagining of S. Y. Agnon’s seminal novel, marking 90 years since its publication, fusing Jewish mysticism, religious themes, and mental health.
Loving Daisy – Historical drama
Play by Yossi Yona
Directed by Ravid Savil
Jaffa Theatre
Loving Daisy is set in the revolutionary chapter of the modern-day Iraq. A group of idealistic young Iraqis in the 1940’ establish a resistance movement, wishing to change the world. Then Daisy arrives: intelligent, charismatic, brave – a heartbreaker and becomes the center of the group. Their story is told with humor, subtle irony, and music from that period. It’s a deeply human exploration of timeless dilemmas: following one’s heart or staying loyal to an ideology, survival or friendship?
Enemies, a Love Story – Drama
Based on Isaac Bashevis Singer's Book
Adapted by Noa Lazar Keinan
Directed by Shir Goldberg
Beit Lessin Theatre
New York, 1949. The war is over, but for Holocaust survivor Herman Broder, the past refuses to let go. Desperate for a fresh start, he finds himself torn between his wife, who saved his life during the war, and a beautiful young lover. As he struggles to balance them, his first wife unexpectedly returns from the dead. Based on the acclaimed novel by Nobel Prize-winning Isaac Bashevis Singer, Enemies, A Love Story is a powerful, deeply moving exploration of love, survival, and the impossible fantasy of leaving your past behind
Someone to Run With – Drama
Based on David Grossman’s book
Adapted by Roy Chen
Directed by Ido Kolton
Gesher Theatre
16-year-old Assaf is asked to locate the owner of a dog found wandering the streets of Jerusalem. The dog leads him on a wild journey following Tamar, a lonely and troubled girl, who is on a mission to save her brother. Someone to Run With, is one of the most beloved books in Israel and winner of the 2001 Sapir Prize for Literature. With masterful skill, Grossman crafts a coming-of-age journey and a one-of-a-kind first love.
Hungry Heart – Musical Drama
Based on Eshkol Nevo’s book
Adapted and directed by Gabriella Lev
Theatre Company Jerusalem
Based on three stories by Eshkol Nevo, who turns our focus to ordinary people and intimate moments: love, longing, home, displacement, chance encounters and small choices that reveal who we are. Lev’s adaptation transforms Nevo’s prose into a musical theatre experience. Original songs performed live deepen the humour, tenderness and emotional resonance of the stories.