As I walked into the Camery Theater in Tel Aviv, I have never felt more like an Israeli. On our way to Kazablan, I could have sworn that we were the only tourists in the whole place. Maybe it’s because I’m not an Israeli that I don’t speak Hebrew (at least fluently) nor do I act like one. The Golda Complex, where the theater was located, had some beautiful architecture. When we finally found our seats, a catchy tune came on and I started to hum. Itamar, our new Israeli friend, leaned over to me and told me that this is a famous Israeli song, drawing a round of laughter from the both of us. This play had the same feel as ‘West Side Story’ but with an Israeli twist.
The plot was not difficult to understand, and my Schechter education really helped in this clutch situation. I understood a good amount of the Hebrew, but I believe that if the actors had slowed down a little I would have really gotten most of the Hebrew. It helped that the plot was pretty easy to follow: the Ashkenazi Jewish girl who is trying not to fall in love with the Moroccan guy who is trying to win over her father. I was surprised when the opening scene had the full cast dancing in 50s clothing that looked just like what I woud wear on a 50s theme day, reminding me of the American play ‘Grease.’ The actresses whipped around their high ponytails which were stiffly placed on the top of their heads.
It occurred to me that this play echoed our first-night talk with Guy Ben-Porat. That first night we talked about how Israeli identity is much more complex than any American identifies. This was exemplified even further in the play.
To be brutally honest, Israelis truly are better actors than Americans! I credit this to the passion they infuse into their entertainment. I am not a trustworthy source to be judging the skill of actors and actresses, but the fact is that although I did not understand everything they said, the story which they were portraying was clear to everyone in the audience. There were issues portrayed in this play that have only escalated since the 1950’s when the play was set. There was a song that really warmed my heart; it was all about all of Israel being friends. People in the audience sang along as well. Lastly, there was a thread of religion that was strung through the whole musical – whether as a song or a line in the play. It caught me off guard to see a play which tied in so much Judaism. It gave me a sense of comfort. That doesn’t really happen in America.