The freedom to experiment

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, the A Genre Festival presents two evenings of experimental works.

By ORI J. LENINSKI
Ronit Shachar 370 (photo credit: Courtesy)
Ronit Shachar 370
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Tmuna Theater is a haven for many artists. Musicians, choreographers, directors and actors alike are able to find something in the south Tel Aviv location that has no parallel. The freedom to experiment in a performance space, which Tmuna is known to afford their artists, provides a unique type of license for established and emerging creators.
One of the main outlets for an artist interested in braving the Tmuna stages is the A Genre Festival. For 10 years, this event has hosted some of the most celebrated theater and dance pieces in Israel. To celebrate a decade of existence, artistic directors Nava Zuckerman of Tmuna Theater and Yair Vardi have put together two evenings of experimental works.
The starting point for this program was a list of questions, such as Whom are we speaking to with our art and in what language? How do we fit in with the past, present and future? How do we connect with the reality, business, theory and criticism that surround us? The two programs represent different approaches to these questions.
Evening one draws from the notion that creation is most often a result of a deep, inner source finding expression in the open.
This group of artists consists of Talia Hoffman, Einat Amir, Naama Shendar, Ari Tepperberg and Anna Wild.
Tepperberg and Wild will present an autobiographical meeting, which will involve anecdotes and objects. The two have been collaborating for the past three years, weaving together personal histories and interpretations of the world around them. Their work involves music, theater and storytelling elements.
Hoffman’s piece is a performance for two people and a dog. In an investigation of repetition, Hoffman, along with actor Guy Elhnan and the dog Bijoux, explore the many ways to retrace one’s steps.
Amir’s performance is choreography for one viewer.
Based on the psychological idea of diffusion of responsibility, Amir’s piece challenges the audience’s idea of proper and improper interaction with a performer and with their peers. Amir’s work has been presented in various spaces and museums around the world.
Evening two is comprised of works by artists who believe that creation is a result of the artist’s interaction with society.
Smadar Yaaron will present the second part of a trilogy entitled Acre, My Love. The piece focuses on the late Noel Zini, a drug addicted Acre denizen who passed away last year. Yaaron’s performance includes a taped interview with Zini, which Yaaron conducted last year. On stage, Yaaron responds to the statements made by Zini and conveys her thoughts on her subject.
Double Bed by Shai Persil offers a moment to take a break from all the action. On a mattress in a nook, Persil awaits sleepy passersby. His performance straddles the line between intimate and public experiences.
A Genre will take place on May 25, 26, and 27. For more information, visit www.tmu-na.org.il