Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By richards on October 31, 2013

, j. correspondent

Launching its first full season this month with performances on both sides of the bay, Jewish Circle Theatre plans to navigate more than one bridge. With Israeli and American performers, the theatrical group hopes to span the cultural divide between the two cultures, presenting Israeli- or biblical-themed plays in English along with Hebrew songs, as well as original works that incorporate drama, dance and Israeli-inspired music.

Theater, whether classical or contemporary, is a community-oriented form of art, said Ofra Daniel, the artistic/executive director who co-founded the group with fellow Tel Aviv University graduate Roni Alperin. What we will try to do is address this cultural bridge.

One way is to create bonds through the shared experience of Jewish heritage. The season opener, Shir HaShirim (Song of Songs), by Daniel and Lior Ben-Hur, offers a modern take on the

erotic poetry of the Bible, with biblical translations by Berkeley poet Marcia Falk. The performance, which includes both Hebrew and English texts, opens Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Jewish Community Center of the East Bay, with three performances in Berkeley. It will also stage performances Nov. 10 and 17 at the Addison-Penzak JCC in Los Gatos.

By presenting traditional themes in contemporary settings, Americans, familiar with the ancient text [of Song of Songs] in a religious context, Daniel said, will re-experience the work outside that context, looking at divine love on a human level through a relationship. Meanwhile, Israelis will resonate with the music by Ben-Hur, who originally hails from Jerusalem.

The plays are not just verbal plays. Its not an intellectual experience, said Daniel, who lives in Berkeley with her husband and three children. If you want an intellectual experience, read a good book.

She sees the plays as thought-provoking, affecting theatergoers on an emotional plane. We are going to touch the hearts of the audience, with something for both cultures.

Jewish Circle Theatre began in 2009, with occasional plays for children and adults, interactive performances and classes. Recently established as a nonprofit with a board of directors, the group is presenting an entire season of four works, with a troupe of some 30 actors, musicians and choreographers, mostly professional.

In December and January, the group will stage What If? for children and families, exploring the power of imagination. In February and March comes To Be or Not to Be Jewish, an interactive drama, with the audience providing dialogue for the actors to interpret the Jewish experience here and in Israel. In May Two Wives, the first in a Torah Project series, explores the relationships of Jacob and the two sisters he marries, Leah and Rachel.

Continued here:
Theater group seeks to span cultural divide between Americans, Israelis

Category: Jewish American Heritage Month
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