Review: DYING FOR A LIFE at Hasimta Theatre - A Cute Comedy About Life Before Death

What would you do if you were sure you're about to die in 2 days?

When Dov Schwartz, a theatre critic, asked himself that question while he visited the local cemetery a ghost appeared and advised him to buy a grave before he passes away.

From this point on many weird events occurs in his life while he's waiting for his death.

This play, written by Rony Neuman, originally a weatherman, is a modern comedy that touches death in a very comic way. Besides dealing with death there are many comic scenes with plenty of nonsense humor that's handled perfectly by the talented cast.

There are lots of references to the world of theater in this play, Some of which are quotes from world-known plays such as Uncle Vania, Macbeth, The Cherry Orchard etc. and also some humorous remarks about famous Israeli actors such as Sasson Gabai, Yona Elian and Itay Tiran. All those references add another comic value to this play.

Making a comedy isn't an easy task. An actor needs to have a good sense of comic timing in order to make such scenes work. All the actors in this production have managed to pull it through and to make the audience laugh (even if the laughs were of the silent type. Some people think they should have polite reactions while they're watching a show).

There are two scenes in this play that are done in a very unique way:
One of them is when Dov's mother makes him smoke weed with her so he'd be relaxed enough to let her teach him how to hit on women.
The second one is when Dov and Malka are going to the theatre and the two of them actually come to seat among the audience while they watch the play (that goes wrong).
At a certain point in that scene all the actors are breaking from character and start behaving as themselves in real life when a (fake) phone ring is heard that makes them mad.
This scene shows us a "behind the scenes" view of the theatre.

Shalom Shmuelov, the director, has managed to make this comedy work perfectly and he certainly knows his way in comic theatre.

The leading role is played by the very talented Danny Leshman that some of you may know him from the very popular youth series "HaShminiya" (The Eight) . Danny succeeded in bringing this quirky character to life and he feels very comfortable in his role.

Dorin Mendel who plays Malka Weiss, the graves saleswoman, also has amazing comic skills that are shown throughout the play while she managed to show plenty of Malka's characteristics.

Pazit Yaron Minkowski who plays Dov's uninhibited mother and Yiftach Kaminer who plays several parts in this production are both very talented actors with plenty of theatrical experience and they have a great contribution to the success of this comedy.

I'd also like to add a few words on Hasimta Theatre where this play is performed.

For those of you who haven't been there yet, it is truly a gem. Located in the magnificent area of Old Jaffa, in a small alley (hence the name Hasimta), this small theatre has a very unique and artistic atmosphere. The waiting room upstairs is designed in an old fashioned way with plenty of vintage decorations and furniture, You can also find poetry books that are waiting for you to pick them up and read them while you're waiting for the show to begin. There's also a wide balcony with an amazing view of Jaffa.

The theatre hall is quite small and consists of a few short rows with tens of seats. In this performance some of the rows in the back were hidden with a curtain in order to fill the first rows with the audience that came to see the show.

It's highly recommended that you use your visit to this theatre in order to explore the beautiful area of Old Jaffa and even to take a short walk to the vibrant Flea Market area.

Treat yourself to a special night out that combines a great comedy and a stroll in the amazing surroundings.

Additional performances of Dying for a Life will take place at Hasimta Theatre on February 20 and March 19. For tickets and further information visit www.hasimta.com or call 03-6812126 (Israel).

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