‘One of a Kind’ in New York City

How far would you travel to find your way home?

One of a Kind, by Nephesh Theatre of Israel, is the compelling, true story of ten-year-old AndArgay and his family’s 400-mile journey to freedom. From Ethiopia to a Sudanese refugee camp, then, at last, to Israel, they - along with thousands of other Ethiopian Jews - became the first black Jewish settlers in Israel. Incorporating soulful songs, festive dance and charming animation, One of a Kind is a play about hope, identity, and the meaning of home.

Making its U.S. premiere in conjunction with Israel’s 60th anniversary, Yossi Vassa and Shai Ben Attar’s One of a Kind is the winner of a host of awards, including Best Play at the Haifa International Children’s Theatre Festival, and Israel’s Best Play of the Year 2006.

“From the opening until the play’s end, the audience is invited on an emotional theatrical journey.” (Y-Net)

Now playing at The New Victory Theater in New York from May 2-11, 2008. For tickets or to learn more, click here. See here for the NYT review.

Time Out New York features Etgar Keret

Pick up this week’s issue of Time Out New York magazine, featuring a huge photo on page 2 of Israeli “literary scribe” Etgar Keret. Keret, who co-directed the film Jellyfish with his wife, Shira Geffen, has already received rave reviews and film fest awards around the world.

Hatikva with a French Twist

Check out this take on Israel’s national anthem.
(For a translation of the French rap, see the “About This Video” section on the YouTube page.)

“In production: New life in Israel”

From YNET News, an inside look at the new Haim Buzaglo film. Click on the pick for the video…

In production: New life in Israel
New French-produced film directed by Haim Buzaglo, ‘Live Again’, tells the stories of European and North African Jews who immigrated to Israel after World War II (03.31.08)

Israeli Films Garner Acclaim—and Prizes

While Joseph Cedar’s Beaufort has been featured in the news (and on this blog–here and here) for its Oscar nomination, a few other films have quietly hit the scene to critical acclaim. The Lemon Tree, directed by Eran Riklis (The Syrian Bride), won the audience prize at the Berlin Film Festival with a record number of votes. (By the way, the Berlin Festival did a quiet salute to Israel’s film industry for Israel’s 60th birthday.) Then Amit Sargosi’s film The Time Catcher took first prize at the 48 Hour Film Project in San Jose. And of course, The Band’s Visit just picked up some positive reviews from, among others, the NYT.

So now might be a good time to grab some popcorn and a seat for some serious, eye-opening, cinema.

Loser? There Was No Loser

Israel’s candidate for the ‘08 Academy Awards — Joseph Cedar’s Beaufort — was trumped by an Austrian film about the Holocaust. Too bad, right? But the Jersualem Post’s Miriam Shaviv has an insightful take on why the staunch moral message of The Counterfeiters is anything but a loss for us Jewish types, and how Beaufort’s nomination was a win for Israel no matter how you slice it.

From the JPOST:

Crushing high hopes that Israel might take home its first Academy Award, The Counterfeiters, an Austrian film about a master forger forced to work for Nazis in a concentration camp, won the foreign-language Oscar on Sunday.

Though disappointing to many here, the result was not entirely surprising. Jerusalem Post film critic Hannah Brown had predicted a win for Counterfeiters, citing the long history of Holocaust-themed films that have done well in the foreign language film category. Even Joseph Cedar, director of Israel’s entry, Beaufort, seemed to keep his hopes in check at a symposium prior to the ceremony, saying he was “happy just to have been nominated. I’m not even thinking about winning.”

Continue reading Loser? There Was No Loser…

Don’t Mess with the Zohan Theme Song

Click the pic and select the live performance of Hadag Nachash to see the Isrealli hip-hop band perform the theme song for the new Adam Sandler movie about the kick-butt commando turned hair stylist on Chicago TV.

Blind Deaf Theatre in Israel

I saw this group when they were in NY not too long ago, and they were a true inspiration.

From the NYT:

February 4, 2008
Blind, Deaf Actors Take Centre Stage In Israel
By REUTERS

JAFFA, Israel (Reuters) - The theatre lights dim and the audience settles into their seats — usually a cue for the actors to deliver their opening lines. Instead, the Nalaga’at troupe start pummeling and stroking each other’s hands.

This is not a high-minded avant garde dance piece, but a group of deaf-blind actors, who are captivating audiences in Israel by blending touch, mime, sign language and music on stage in a cabaret-style show about dreams and disability.

Billed as the world’s first professional deaf-blind theatre company, only three of Nalaga’at’s actors can speak. One hears a little if you shout directly into her ear and a few still have some vision. But they all communicate primarily through touch.

To complicate matters, several of the actors are recent immigrants from the former Soviet Union and know only Russian sign language.

Rehearsals can be chaotic.

Continue reading Blind Deaf Theatre in Israel…

‘Beaufort’ Nominated for an Oscar

The Israeli film Beaufort has been nominated for an Academy Award in the “Best Foreign Language Film” category.

Beaufort tells the story of a group of Israeli soldiers stationed in southern Lebanon during the 2000 war. Based on the novel by Ron Leshen, the film centers around Liraz Liberti, a 22-year-old outpost commander, and his troops in the months before Israel pulled out of Lebanon.

According to Entertainment Weekly, director “Joseph Cedar has created a movie of tremendous power — nerve-racking, astute, and neutral enough to apply to all soldiers, in all wars, everywhere.”

The film has already earned 7 nominations and 5 awards worldwide, including “Best Director” at the Berlin International Film Fesitval. Definitely a must-see!

Pilobolus Dance Theatre to Tour Israel

Pilobolus, the internationally acclaimed American dance company, announced today that it will tour Israel later this month with famed photographer Robert Whitman. The Consulate General of Israel is sponsoring Whitman’s visit on the occasion of Israel’s 60th anniversary.

Known for his energetic trademark photos, Whitman displays a unique talent for capturing movement, whether he is working in the controlled atmosphere of the studio for top advertising and editorial clients such as Coca-Cola, Microsoft, American Express and IBM, or simply walking down the street of major global tourism destinations with camera in hand.
“While in Israel, Pilobolus and Robert Whitman will visit many cities and tourism sites – from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to the Dead Sea and Masada. The result will be a unique set of photographic impressions that celebrate our country’s rich heritage and tradition,” said David Saranga, Consul for Media and Public Affairs. “Whitman’s photographs will generate significant recognition and support our efforts to expand tourism in the coming year.”

Continue reading Pilobolus Dance Theatre to Tour Israel…