If you have been starving for theatrical truth, the solution is near at hand. The New York Times best seller “In the Land of Israel” by Amos Oz was adapted for the stage by playwright-actress TAMIR, an Israeli-American most noted for her golden-voiced recordings of Rumi’s passionate poetry. TAMIR, an artist of impeccable taste, chose the one-person show as the literary clay to give form to her reincarnation.
Confession time. My life has been changed by one-person shows. My first was Charles Laughton reading from literary works that affected him personally. Then the wondrous Viveca Lindfors in her one-woman tour-de-force “I Am a Woman.” Add to these superb performances John Gielgud’s “Ages of Man” and you begin to appreciate the unique joy of solo shows: fearless intimacy, an almost naked honesty, the beauty in all humanity.
It is in this tradition that TAMIR shines. In her show, videotaped at Congregation Knesset Israel in Pittsfield, TAMIR embodies six Israeli women, beautifully observed and funny: a farmer, an orthodox Jew, a French nun, a Palestinian pharmacist from Nabulus, a right-wing Israeli extremist and an Eastern European immigrant in Ashdod. She skillfully embodies each character with nuanced gesture and complete immersion. The transitions between characters is smooth and her acting is never forced, bringing the viewer into the world-view of each portrayal as she lives the moment fully and truthfully.(Note: See photos below of all six characters.)
The most stunning moment (among many) is the stark and shocking juxtaposition between the heartfelt transformation of Yasmin the Palestinian and Ze’eva, the extreme right wing swaggering owner of the “Land.”
The production, directed by Avishay Greenfield-Caspi, is audience-friendly, benefits by its music composed by Adi Rennet and sensitive, lovely lighting. TAMIR’s ingenious costumes are designed by herself. The videography and lighting is by Shaun Laframboise – Right Light Productions.
This must-see show is free on-demand streaming until May 31st at www.knessetisrael.org/amosozplay
Editor’s note: TAMIR will join international entrepreneur and negotiator Samuel Dinnar in a talk-back conversation about the show, its context, and its backstory. The livestreamed event will be held Wednesday, May 19 at 7:30 p.m. and be moderated by Albert Stern, editor of the Berkshire Jewish Voice.
