Out and about: Top 10 things to do

The 13th International Spring Festival Rishon Lezion opens on Saturday, and this year the focus is on surprising combinations.

Swinging Life (photo credit: Courtesy)
Swinging Life
(photo credit: Courtesy)
MOVIE
1.THIS MUST BE THE PLACE Cheyenne, a bored retired rock star (Sean Penn), sets out on a life-altering journey across the heartland of America to track down and confront his father’s nemesis, an ex- Nazi war criminal who is a refugee in the US. Told that his father is dying, he travels to New York in the hope of being reconciled with him during his final hours. With Frances McDormand and Judd Hirsch.
MUSEUMS
2. FREE ENTRY
Today is International Museum Day, so more than 70 museums around the country invite visitors to tour the premises for free. The idea is to expose the public to the museums and encourage them to visit and enjoy the rich offerings. There will also be many special activities for the day.
For more information, go to the specific site of the museum of interest or to www.icom.org.il
THEATER
3. KING AND CLOWN Renowned Indian actor Atul Kumar is back at the Cameri Theater, this time with another brilliant production, Nothing Like Lear.
The play, based on Shakespeare’s tragedy King Lear, looks at the old king through the eyes of a clown – as an old man, a father, despised and cast out. The clown looks at the king, who looks back at the clown. In English and gibberish.
Cameri Theater, Tel Aviv. Saturday and Sunday at 9 p.m. NIS 200. 50% discount for seniors
SPORTS
4. AROUND THE GALILEE Cycle in the northern part of Israel in the Sovev Galil 2012 event, held in memory of Dvir Mor and Eran Ofer. The event will include road cycling, trek and competitive biking, a walk, trek running and family-oriented happenings.
Kibbutz Kfar Blum, Saturday, from 8 a.m. For more information, go to www.ofanaim.org.il
MIXED BAG
5. POTTERY PLUS The field of ceramics is changing, becoming popular with more and more young people getting involved. The Kad Vahomer Ceramics Fair, a collaboration between the Ceramic Artists Association and the Ra’anana Municipality, is presenting some 50 local ceramic artists who will offer their work for sale.
There will also be musical shows and some surprises.
Festive opening on Tuesday, through Thursday, from 6 to 11 p.m. Ra’anana Park. Free entrance.
FESTIVAL
6. A SPRING MIX The 13th International Spring Festival Rishon Lezion opens on Saturday, and this year the focus is on unusual and surprising combinations. There will be 15 productions from all over the world, including dance, classical and world music, as well as special local productions.
One of the highlights is the show Swinging Life, a musical revue with 16 French dancers, singers and actors that tells the story of black music in America and includes old and current hits.
Tuesday, 8:30 p.m., Heichal Hatarbut, Rishon Lezion
ART
7. YOUNG AND FRESH The Fresh Paint event in Tel Aviv presents aspiring young artists who get the opportunity to work with experienced curators, exhibit their artwork, receive exposure and gain recognition. Prices for the artwork range from NIS 500 to NIS 10,000.
Tuesday through Thursday May 17, 5 to 10 p.m.; Friday May 18, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday May 19, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The event takes place at at the new high school area in the Kiryat Hinuch compound in northern Tel Aviv, 3 Shoshana Persitz Street.
For details about bus routes and parking, go to www.freshpaint.co.il.
MIXED BAG
8. COME TO AN OPEN HOUSE The fascinating architectural event “Houses from Within” is back in Tel Aviv, offering an opportunity to peek into famous and unique homes that are otherwise closed to the public.
Join the tours and learn more about Tel Aviv’s urban life.
May 17 through 19. Free. For more information and registration, go to www.batim-il.org.
SPORTS
9. ROW YOUR BOAT The Dragon-Boat race is coming to Lake Kinneret for the first time. Some 39 boats with 900 participants from all over the world will take part in the race, organized by the Canada Fund and the Ottawa Jewish Community.
There will also be many family activities, music and food stalls.
Friday May 18, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ma’agan Eden Beach. NIS 15
FESTIVAL
10. MIX IT UP Pecha Kutcha is an intradisciplinary event that takes place in more than 500 cities around the world. It started here only five years ago and is already considered the largest in the world. This year the organizers expect 4,000 art enthusiasts to attend a double bill of local creators, such as graphic artists, architects, musicians, a brain surgeon and more. Each is given six minutes and 40 seconds to get the audience excited.
Monday, May 21 at 7:30 and 10:15 p.m. NIS 30. Tickets will be available from Sunday May 13 at noon at Loveat cafes in Tel Aviv or online at www.pechakutchatlv.com