Showtime: Old books get new home

After several years of a nomadic existence, including occupying unsuitable premises, the Gnazim Institute is getting a brand-new home.

By BARRY DAVIS
bookstore 521 (photo credit: Marc Israel Sellem)
bookstore 521
(photo credit: Marc Israel Sellem)
Old books get new home
After several years of a nomadic existence, including occupying unsuitable premises, the Gnazim Institute is getting a brand-new home.
The archives, which have stored Hebrew literature and records of Hebrew-language writers and philosophers for over 60 years, will officially move into their new permanent location at Ariella House in Tel Aviv next week. The opening ceremony will be held on June 22, in the presence of Culture and Sport Minister Limor Livnat, Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai and many writers and researchers.
The institute was established in 1950 by Asher Barash, and collects and stores manuscripts, letters, certificates, publications, audio recordings and photographs, and any other material relating to the life of Hebrew-language authors and their work.
Among the four million literary records at the institute is archival material relating to Shaul Tchernichovsky, Lea Goldberg, Nahum Guttman, Yoram Kaniuk and Dan Ben-Amotz.
For more information: www.gnazim.org.il, gnazim11@bezeqint.net or (03) 691-0141.
Jungle in Holon
On Saturday morning (11 a.m.), the Mediatheque Center in Holon will host the premiere of a new rendition of Rudyard Kipling’s time-honored book The Jungle Book based on a play written by Daniel Efrat.
The one-woman theatrical production, which features actress Meital Damari, also includes a rich musical soundtrack, as well as energetic choreography courtesy of the eightmember Fresco dance group, directed by Yoram Karmi.
The show is for all the family, including children from the age of five.
For more information: www.mediatheque.org.il and (03) 502-1555.
Violinist takes Caesarea
Superstar violinist Vanessa Mae will blow into town Saturday evening when she performs at the Caesarea Amphitheater (9 p.m.).
The 33-year-old Singapore-born instrumentalist-vocalist released her first album at the age of 16 and was nominated in the Best Female Artist category of the BRIT Awards a year later.
The Caesarea concert, Mae’s first working visit to this country, will include a program of pop hits, as well as high-energy renditions of classical material. Mae will perform with her band and a symphonic orchestra.
Tickets: (03) 522-5000 or *2774.
From Russia and Canada with love
Russian-born jazz singer Sophie Milman will perform at the Zappa Club in Herzliya on Saturday (doors open 8:30 p.m., show starts 10 p.m.).
The visit will be something of a homecoming for the 28-year-old Canadian resident, who spent her childhood here after making aliya from Russia together with her family.
Milman’s first stage performance was in 1992, as part of the Festigal children’s event. She released her debut eponymous album in 2004 and her fifth CD, Take Love Easy, in 2009. Her 2007 release, Make Someone Happy, brought her the prestigious Juno Award for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year. Veteran Israeli jazz saxophonist Peter Wertheimer will put in a guest appearance in Herzliya.
For more information: www.zappaclub.co.il.
Etch me a Picasso
An exhibition of Picasso etchings will open at the Sissman Gallery in Tel Aviv (98 Hayarkon Street) on June 23. The show will run until July 23.
The exhibition, will includes 30 works, highlights the rich composition of the etchings portrayed in Picasso’s crisp and unique lines. The works date from different phases of the Spanish artist’s life, including the period between the world wars and the time of the Spanish Civil War.
The show offers a rare opportunity to get a close look at Picasso’s technique, which portrayed his subjects in a dramatic way, but also with a generous dosage of humor.
For more information: www.sissmangallery.com or (03) 522- 2325.