News of the Muse

Sofia takes interest in the Simta.

By MIRIAM A. SHAVIV
HaShamashim 88 298 (photo credit: )
HaShamashim 88 298
(photo credit: )
Sofia takes interest in the Simta The Simta Theater's production of "HaShamashim" (The Janitors) has been invited to participate in the international theater festival in Sofia, Bulgaria in June. The unperformed Hanoch Levin play was produced posthumously by the Simta and tells the story of a military commander named Nino and his wife Zaza who are having a marital altercation. Everyone around them pays with their life. This is the first time an Israeli theater company has been invited to the annual Bulgarian festival. Other than "HaShamashim," there are 8 productions invited to the festival from the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Italy, Belgium, Hungary, and Austria. The Simta will also put the show on in Macedonia as a guest of the Israeli embassy. Stars align for Jerusalem Day Some of Israel's hottest artists will join forces to commemorate 40 years since the reunification of Jerusalem. The May 16 Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day) celebration will feature Ninette Tayeb, Harel Skaat, Eyal Golan, Yoram Gaon, Idan Raichel, Hadag Nahash, Mosh Ben Ari, Shlomi Shabat and others. The event will take place on May 15 at 8 p.m. in Jerusalem's Gan Sacher. The star-studded evening, which will be followed by a fireworks display, is also the first event of many that will take place throughout the year to mark the capital's 40th anniversary. Simpsons will streak into theaters The Simpsons Movie, which opens around the world in July, is one of the most anticipated films of the year. Part of hype has been generated from a scene in the film in which Bart takes on a dare from his dim-witted father, Homer. The 10-year-old skateboards naked through the streets of Springfield, and in one brief moment, flashes his little yellow bits to the world. Despite this full-frontal exposure, The Simpson Movie has managed to escape an R-rating. Since The Simpsons debuted in 1989, it has built a fanatical fan base, earned 23 Emmys and generated more than $2.5 billion in revenue. Now in its 18th season, The Simpsons is the longest-running sitcom in history, and it's broadcast in more than 70 countries.