South African artists push boundaries at Israel Festival

OWN CORRESPONDENT

Orlin and Cohen were included in the rich and varied artistic programme of dance, music, theatre, performance art, video art, and installation at the 58th Israel Festival from 30 May to 15 June.

The festival’s director, Eyal Sher, and artistic director, Itzik Giuli, aim to identify new artistic movements, forms, and languages on the global culture and art scene, as well as innovative and original interpretations, while conserving the festival’s historic value and its achievements for more than 50 years.

“In the arts, we are witnessing a constant attempt to narrow the freedom of artistic expression, but that’s something we do not take into consideration in our programming. We perceive cultural and creative achievement as a unique means to create space for dialogue and cultural encounter. We are proud to continue a consistent line of artistic programming that conforms to just one criterion: excellence,” says Sher.

Veteran choreographer Robyn Orlin’s And so you see show looks at post-apartheid South Africa. In it, this Laurence Oliver Award-winning choreographer questions whether South Africans are truly free, and whether promised democratic values – especially gender equity – meet the hopes laid down in the constitution.

Cohen, born in South Africa and now based in France, performed in Israel for the first time this year, presenting a tribute to his partner Elu in Put your heart under your feet… and walk.

Self-described as a South African, white, gay, Jewish man, Cohen has created a performance hybrid that brings together all these identities. In a chilling requiem to his partner of twenty years, he performs a brave parting ceremony that celebrates art as a way to cope with loss, and as a resolute choice in a vital and passionate existence.