What it’s about:
The Cameri Theatre in Tel Aviv achieves a historic milestone by presenting ‘Perestroika’, the second part of Tony Kushner’s critcally acclaimed play, ‘Angels in America’. Directed by Gilad Kimchi, this continuation follows the culturally impactful ‘Millennium Approaches’ which was showcased last year, marking a seminal event in Israel’s theatrical offerings. The play dwells on themes of personal and social upheaval, intertwining the lives of its diverse character set against the backdrop of the 1980s AIDS crisis.
Why it matters:
Angels in America is celebrated as a profoundly Jewish narrative, infused with rich theological debates and existential questions that resonate deeply within the Israeli cultural context. The inclusion of Roy Cohn, modeled on the real-life figure, and characters grappling with their identities and beliefs provides a powerful mirror to contemporary societal issues. This presentation not only showcases Israel’s commitment to artistic freedom and diversity but also highlights the nation’s place in engaging with global narratives from a distinctly Jewish perspective.
The Show Must Go On: An Insight into Israel’s Premier Stage Production
Under the direction of Gilad Kimchi, ‘Angels in America’ offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of its characters, majestically brought to life by a cast including Yoav Levi as Roy Cohn and Maya Landsmann as the Angel. This staging is a testament to Israeli theatre’s capacity for storytelling that crosses boundaries; the exploration of themes such as redemption, resilience, and the quest for honesty transcends the personal to reflect universal human experiences.
Resonating with Audiences: A Cultural Retelling Through Israeli Lenses
Yair Lipshitz, a celebrated theatre scholar, sees the battle between protagonist Prior Walter and divine messengers as echoing the biblical struggle of Jacob with the Angel, imbuing the narrative with theological significance that strikes a chord with Israeli and Jewish audiences globally. Themes of betrayal, redemption, and the search for identity are explored against the rich tapestry of Jewish tradition, adding layers of meaning to Kushner’s already complex narrative.
Blending Tradition with Innovation
The ingenious set design by Eran Atzmon, featuring dynamically inhabited spaces by the Revolution Orchestra, enhances the immersive experience, anchoring the play’s transcendent themes in a visually compelling tableau. Added to this is the compelling inclusion of English subtitles for both ‘Millennium Approaches’ and ‘Perestroika’, ensuring the masterpiece’s accessibility to both local and international audiences.
A Celestial Engagement: Times & Location
The ‘Angels in America’ series promises to be a landmark event in Israel’s cultural calendar. ‘Millennium Approaches’ is scheduled for March 14, followed by ‘Perestroika’ on March 15, both expected to enrapture audiences with their poignant storytelling and breathtaking performances at the Cameri Theatre.
This highlights not just the strength and resilience of Israel’s theatrical tradition but also its vibrant role as a cross-cultural bridge, proving once again the country’s commitment toward fostering dialogue and understanding through the universal language of the performing arts.
This story was first published on jpost.com.