Special theater for immigrants

Tzipi Livni recognizes the value of bringing Israeli culture to those who are newly trying to make their way here.

By JESSICA FREIMAN
olim 88 (photo credit: )
olim 88
(photo credit: )
A special theater season premieres Monday night especially for immigrants all over the country. Derech Hateiatron (Through the Theater), an initiative of the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption and Omanut La'am (Art for the People), will stage a total of twelve plays throughout Israel, representing the cream of Israeli theater. Tonight's debut of the Cameri Theater's "Isha Baal Bayit (Master of the House)" will take place in the Western Galilee town of Ma'alot. Written by Shmuel Hasfari and winner of the 2003 Play of the Year award, the show is intended to culturally integrate Israel's immigrants. "This winter, Derech Hateiatron will present twelve of Israel's best plays in cities that do not usually play host to mainstream Israeli shows," Ministry of Immigrant Absorption spokesperson Tamar Abramowitz said. "Three shows will run in each of the cities until mid-April at a discount price for immigrants." Other cities to host the shows include Ofakim, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Hadera, Yokne'am, Migdal Ha'emek, Arad, Rehovot, and Kiryat Shmona. Among the plays to be showcased are Hamadrich Lechayim Tovim (The Guide to the Good Life), Momik, and Zman Emet (Time of Truth). Minister of Immigrant Absorption Tzipi Livni recognizes the value of bringing Israeli culture to those who are newly trying to make their way here: it not only helps with absorption, but Israel benefits as well. "The ability of Israel to become a place in which a renewed culture can grow depends on our ability to accept the immigrants along with the culture that they came from and turning that culture into a part of the cultural fabric of Israel," Livni said. "We've made the effort to ensure that this project, Derech Hateiatron, will reach as many immigrants as possible." A three-show subscription is only NIS 100 for immigrants, and tickets for two shows cost NIS 70. The curtain for "Isha Baal Bayit" is at 8:30 PM in Ma'alot; for details and tickets for this and other shows, call 02-675-2752.