What’s happening:

At this year’s Jewish Festival of Performing Arts, the thought-provoking play ‘Vienna or Dimona’ by Yaniv Peretz makes its debut. Along a palette of productions reflecting on wartime experiences, this play strikes a balance between comedy and earnest debate on identity, belonging, and Jewishness.

Why it matters:

‘Vienna or Dimona’ merges humor with a profound exploration of allegiance and belonging amid the turbulence of judicial reforms and the struggle for identity. The play’s timing is significant as it taps into the current zeitgeist and the emotional aftermath of war, resonating with those grappling with where they stand in an ever-complex global and cultural landscape.

Details:

The premise is seemingly simple: ‘Guy,’ a secular Jew dreaming of life abroad, plans a marriage of convenience with a non-Jewish Austrian woman, sparking unanticipated trials. Peretz’s narrative is personal, drawing from his life experiences and the hurdles faced with Israel’s religious institutions. The play also touches on the deeper cultural juxtaposition between the remote Israeli town of Dimona and Vienna’s historical grandeur.

Between the lines:

The production at Beit Mazia is a microcosm of broader themes relevant to Israeli society and Jews worldwide. Through its comedic lens, ‘Vienna or Dimona’ reflects on the push and pull between the perceived safety of assimilation and the importance of Jewish identity. Its dark humor aims to provoke thought without offending, inviting introspection on whether fleeing from challenges is a solution or an illusion.

Go deeper:

The play’s comedic take underscores a serious discourse on Jewish pride, combating anti-Semitism, and embracing one’s heritage and identity. It argues for the strength in Jewish specificity, rejecting the pressure to become ‘palatable’ or ‘like everyone else’ in the face of anti-Jewish sentiment.

The bottom line:

‘Vienna or Dimona’ is not merely entertainment but a conversation starter on the complexities of Jewish life in Israel and the Diaspora. It advocates for a Jewish Pride that stands firm against hate, celebrating the uniqueness of Jewish culture and the resilience of the Jewish people. The play embodies the call to recognize, honor, and proudly live out one’s Jewish identity.

This story was first published on jpost.com.