MY BEST FRIEND, SMILEBURGER and More Set for 27th Haifa International Children's Theater Festival

By: BWW News Desk Mar. 31, 2017

During the Passover Holiday, on April 12-14, 2017, the 27th Haifa International Children's Theater Festival will take place at the Haifa Theatre and at the Haifa Auditorium complex.

Participating in the festival this year are seven children's plays and two original youth's plays along with international street theatre and dozens of guest plays.

Throughout all three days of the festival there will also be guest shows performed by street theatres from around the world with the most noticeable artists in the field. The open-air shows are free and will take place all day long.

The seven participating children's plays:

"Grandpa Aaron and His Rain"-
Based on the story by Meir Shalev and directed by Mor Frank.
There is a drought and they're desperate for some rain! Grandpa Aaron tells his friends Grandpa Nahum and Grandpa Yitzchak about the mountaintop cave where the clouds are all stuck and need to be freed. So the three grandpas, a quick-stepping cow and a light-footed rabbit all set out on their adventurous journey to the mountain. Will their joint effort manage to free the clouds stuck in the cave and bring the much-needed rain?

"Looking for Clues"-
Written by Liora Karmeli and directed by Sophia Noller.
A touching play about the power of friendship, about the ability to form new bonds and with them overcome difficulties, and about how important it is to speak openheartedly about problems the occur in the family.

"My Aunt Lea Goldberg - By No-One"-
Written by Shoham Smith and directed by Hagar Ben Zaken.
No-one, a fictitious nephew of the legendary writer and poet Leah Goldberg, is chosen to write his aunt's life story and about her literary work. He tries to get details for his story from his aunt, relives moments from her life, gets literary advice, argues and often disagrees with her. Through all these a unique relationship is formed between them and the two characters come alive on the stage.

"My Best Friend"-
Written and directed by Hadas Kalderon and Oded Ehrlich.
Ever since Ido, a 10 years old outsider child, was involved in a car accident where his grandfather got hurt bad he doesn't speak anymore and is confined within himself. The situation changes when he meets Freddy, an abandoned dog. The two become very close, develop their own private language and a true friendship. The play is based on a true story.

"Mulu and Tsegay"-
A stage adaptation for the children's book by Tamar Verete - Zehavi.
Created by Moriya Benavot and Shaharit Yerushalmy who also participate in the play.
Mulu and Tzagai are 10 years old twins who need to run away from their African village which was burned by the village's enemies. Many dangers wait for Mulu and Tzagai on their journey: wild animals, border crossing and dark nights. Mulu and Tzagai manage to overcome these obstacles and arrive at a sage place, but their longing for their parents weigh heavily on their hearts.

"Over The Mountains"-
Written and directed by Shay Pitowsky.
Philosophical tales from faraway lands.
A collection of ancient tales and legends from the world of Zen, Tao, Judaism and Buddhism. Legends from India, China, Egypt and Persia. Stories that portray profound and deep wisdom, touching the heart of life: impermanence, selfishness, giving, compassion, fate, fear and courage.

"Voices"-
A musical show written and directed by Pablo Ariel.
A collaboration with the Tarshiha Orchestra for Arabic Music.
Visual theatre in Arabic.

The two participating youth's plays:

"Smileburger"-
Written and directed by Tom Wolinitz. With the participation of his father, Dalik Wolinitz.
A play about disadvantaged teenagers who work at a junk food chain and unite in the battle for their rights against the Israeli tycoons.

"Olives"-
Written and directed by Rubi Kassus.
A monodrama that present the different extremes of eating disorders through three girls who are hospitalized at the hospital and are dealing with meetings filled with fascinating, suspenseful and humoristic conflicts.

The Haifa International Children's Theater Festival has become a tradition that occurs annually, during the Passover Holiday. The Festival attracts crowds from all over Israel and abroad and enjoys great popularity. The rich program includes colorful open-air performances and special activities for children. Stage performances are taking place in the halls of Haifa Theatre, and in the Auditorium complex on Carmal Center, while the street performances take place in the large complex adjacent to the theatre.

For tickets and further information, click here.

Photo Credit: Gerard Alon