What It’s About
The Jaffa Theater is marking 25 years of promoting cultural dialogue with a lineup of special productions. Highlights include the revival of the multilingual play ‘Longing,’ an evening honoring co-founder Gaby Aldor for a lifetime achievement award, and a new production, ‘When the Ground Shook,’ inspired by recent conflicts.
Why It Matters
Since its founding in 1998 by Adib Jahschan, Yigal Ezrati, and Gaby Aldor, Jaffa Theater stands out in Israel’s cultural scene for its unique commitment to presenting Arabic-language plays with Hebrew translations, fostering respectful and artistic dialogue among communities. Their work serves as a counter-narrative to divisive ideologies and highlights the shared cultural heritage of Arabs and Jews in Israel.
Driving the News
Despite low demand for high-level theater among Arab citizens in Israel and limited interest among Hebrew speakers in Arab culture, Jaffa Theater persists in its mission. According to co-creator Yigal Ezrati, their goal is clear: “To show Hamas does not own the Arabic language. We are the only theater in the country that does this.”
The Big Picture
The achievements of the Jaffa Theater are noteworthy in an environment where cultural exchanges between Arab and Jewish communities are rare. The theater not only offers complex and engaging productions like ‘Longing’ but also ventures into addressing contemporary societal issues through innovative plays. Its efforts are recognized both locally and internationally, evidenced by an invitation from Morocco for an Israeli theater performance.
What’s Next
The celebration will feature a revival of Gilad Evron’s ‘Ulysses on Bottles’ and adaptations that showcase the blending of various cultural narratives. Co-founder Aldor reflects the inclusive spirit of the theater when recalling her childhood joy in stepping briefly into Lebanon: a metaphor for crossing boundaries and embracing cultural exchange.
Worth Your Time
‘Longing’ will be performed on June 25, offering audiences a multi-faceted theater experience with revolving stages and cultural foods prepared by the performers. ‘When the Ground Shook’ will be showcased on June 29. An evening in honor of Gaby Aldor takes place on June 27, celebrating her contribution to the arts.
For more details and booking, call (03) 518-5563.
This story was first published on jpost.com.