Ben Rozen’s Big Show to Appear at Tel Aviv’s Temuna Theater on August 17
By Hagay Hacohen
What it’s about:
Yuval Kenin-Nachmias stars as the character Ben Rozen, alongside Itamar Moalem as Het, in an intriguing and unpredictable stand-up performance. Narcissist and philistine actor Rozen ropes in the hapless acting student Het, taking the audience on a unique journey that combines brilliance with absurdity.
Why it matters:
The performance is a fearless excavation of some deeply-rooted fantasies in Israeli culture. With moments that touch on historical and cultural events, the show engages viewers by simultaneously challenging and entertaining them, inviting them to grapple with the complexities of Israeli identity.
Details:
Ben Rozen, who fancies himself a genius despite his obvious limitations, produces a musical where Yigal Amir replaces Aviv Geffen at the significant peace rally on November 4, 1995 – the day Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was tragically assassinated. This storyline sparks audience participation with questions and interjections.
The most profound scenes are laden with genuine, heartfelt reflections on Israeli life and history. In one moving sequence, Rozen’s character encounters a Holocaust survivor, an experience that uncovers the lengths to which he will go to both fulfill and confront societal fantasies.
Impact:
This intense and uncompromising performance has generated a loyal following, with fans attending multiple times, sharing clips online, and purchasing Ben Rozen merchandise sold by Het. It breaks boundaries, providing a space for listeners to both criticize and revel in the quirks of Israeli theatre and history.
Join Ben Rozen in a spectacular dismantling of the sacred while laughing at the shared stories that bind us all as he exclaims, “I’m Hanoch Levin!” through each provocative scene.
Performance Notes:
Directed by Nir Knaan, the show promises to continue its run, with future performance dates to be announced. Note that the performance is in Hebrew.
Tags: Israel, theater, Jerusalem theater, Israelis
This story was first published on jpost.com.