Fringe benefits for all

Mifal Hapayis’s Bama Aheret fringe theater project brings plays to the masses

By ITSIK MAROM
Bama Aheret (photo credit: ITSIK MAROM)
Bama Aheret
(photo credit: ITSIK MAROM)
Among the events on the Israeli cultural scene is live theater. Unlike a film, a stage play provides the special element of eye contact between the live actors and the audience; you can almost touch them. However, not everyone, even in our small country, has the privilege of paying a visit to a local playhouse.
The first obstacle to accessing live theater is the simple fact that you cannot find a playhouse in every town. The second obstacle is the ticket price, which for the average citizen is too high – particularly in these difficult economic times. Recognizing these obstacles, the Mifal Hapayis lottery developed Bama Aheret, an innovative plan to address this cultural shortcoming.
Mifal Hapayis announced a general call for fringe actors and writers, for an innovative type of theater outside the commercial mainstream. The call was met with great success, as scores of fringe shows responded. Mifal Hapayis then formed a committee to select the best plays for the project.
Fringe theater is very versatile and can be adapted for performances almost anywhere, even in the street – as happens in some festivals like the one in Acre. The fringe players don’t really need a home like the large established theaters do. Lighting is minimal, inexpensive and mobile and can be set up in minutes. Additionally and perhaps most importantly, anything goes in fringe. Imagination is key.
Reality, improvisation, a team or even one performer are all options in fringe theater. From Mifal Hapayis’s point of view, this versatility makes for a good fit for the Bama Aheret project. Regions throughout the periphery are only a car ride away. Yeroham, Yokne’am, the Eshkol region, Shlomi and Ramle are all places that benefit from the fringe concept.
The shows usually last about an hour and provide a fascinating experience, which often challenges the audience to think and try to understand what just happened. Every individual and his own opinion can be part of the fringe movement. The sky’s the limit.
For audience members who may be left bewildered by a performance, at the end of the play the actors usually return to reality and have a conversation with the audience.
The many questions that are asked broaden the overall theatergoing experience and provide an element that isn’t found in formal commercial theater. The actors answer the questions while explaining their thoughts from the stage and behind it. Sometimes the actors learn new things from the audience that can be incorporated into future performances.
This project overcomes obstacles and provides solutions. For the fringe players, the project provides a way to find new stages all over the country, as well as financial support, since Mifal Hapayis buys the shows at full cost. This has a positive effect on the motivation of the actors and creators to continue and enhance their craft. Tickets are sold at the local site and are subsidized at NIS 20 a ticket, which pays for the rental fee.
For the general population, access to eyeopening cultural encounters is brought to their doorstep at a nominal price that suits everyone.
After two seasons, Mifal Hapayis plans to continue this project for a third season.
A great idea that benefits us all.www.imnaturephoto.com