A delicate relationship within a family – a mother and two daughters. As the play begins, we meet Huvi, the eldest and melancholic daughter, at her carpenter’s atelier, and Dikla, her younger sister, who is a successful lawyer. Both lack real love: Huvi looks for a partner at one of Israel’s mass demonstrations, while Dikla lives in hopes that her married lover will finally divorce. The mother was a rising star in the Israeli Rock‘n’Roll scene, but had to give up her career – and motherhood – when she publicly denigrated one of Israel’s “justified” wars during a TV show. She moved to the US, attempting a new career. Her daughters were extremely damaged by their mother’s narcissistic act, but took care of each other, and ignored the existence of their “crazy” mother. When she turns up at Huvi’s place after being invited to perform in a nostalgic TV show, the daughters have to deal with their mother’s return, this time for a longer sojourn in Israel, maybe for good.
Hillel Mittelpunkt is a prominent Israeli playwright and director, known for his sharp social commentary and rich character-driven narratives. Mittelpunkt was born in 1949 in Tel Aviv, and studied theatre and literature at Tel Aviv University. Mittelpunkt has written more than 70 plays, many of which he has staged and directed in major Israeli theatres, such as Habima National Theatre, the Cameri Theatre of Tel Aviv, and Beit Lessin Theatre (as writer in residence). His works often explore themes of identity, politics, and the complexities of Israeli society, balancing humor with poignant critique. Notable plays include Gorodish, The House Mother, Mammy, Ismailia, Grocery Store, and Anda. Each play showcases his ability to blend personal drama with broader social issues. Mittelpunkt’s plays have gained international recognition, and have been translated into English, French, and German, and performed overseas. In addition to his work in theatre, Mittelpunkt has also contributed to television and film. He received numerous awards for his contribution to Israeli culture, including the prestigious Prime Minister Prize for Hebrew Literature Works.