The Village

The scene is a remote village in Palestine, a British Protectorate in the early 1940s. Jew and Arab still live peacefully together, engaging in basic barter as for manure. A boy, Jossi, is growing up in harmony with nature and people. Were it not for the tidal waves of history, he might live a contented life and die happy.

But there is a war not far away, and a crucial battle, at El Alamein, is in the offing. If the Germans win, the consequences will be terrible for the Jews, and the young men are preparing. The village population already includes Italian prisoners of war, and a British army officer in pursuit of a lover, a local married woman. But Jossi sees things with simpler eyes.

A few years more, and the Germans have lost the war. A young widow comes to the village with tales of the holocaust, intensely moving. A patriotic newsreel is shown in the village, and a new conflict is in the offing. A state of Israel is ordained, and its Arab neighbours declare war. Jossi's brother fights in defence of his country, and is killed. What is to come?

There have been many plays about growing up in a small town or village. This one is different, being specific to the time and place that shaped it in the mind of its author, Joshua Sobol. It has great charm and a deep feeling of nostalgia for the old ways; when war's obscenities and international politics intrude, the contrast and shock are all the greater. Considered as a piece of theatre, this is a splendid accomplishment. The open set design, with a revolving platform swirling through tall grass, lends itself to near-invisible scene changing. Different lives collide and embrace, with set pieces to enchant ear and eye. Director Yevgeny Arye has fashioned a most creative production from his script and cast, with Israel (Sacha) Demidov as a captivating Yossi.

The participation of Israel's Gesher Theatre truly graces this Festival.

Plays until Friday, October 8th (booking at 01-6777744)