Avital Raz
My Jerusalem
Presented by Word of Warning, Contact + STUN in Works Ahead 2019 as a double bill with Mark Croasdale
In Brief
A solo performance derived from a song. A politically charged tale of a drunken one night stand, infused with stories of growing up in the turmoil of 80s Israel. A nuanced exploration of the politics of division, from internal checkpoints and separation walls to gender norms.
Can we go beyond the blame game to really see each other?
Venue + Booking Details
Dates: Thursday 16 + Friday 17 May 2019, 7.30pm
Venue: STUN Studio at Z-arts, 335 Stretford Road, Manchester, M15 5ZA
Tickets: available to reserve via Contact, Pay What You Decide (cash only) in person on the evening.
Box Office tel: 0161 274 0600 (Contact, weekdays 10am–6pm) NB: on 16+17 May, online booking closes at 5pm, with in-person booking available from 6.30pm at STUN Studio.
Enquiries: 0161 232 6086 (Word of Warning office)
Access Information
PLEASE NOTE: both works contain adult themes, the content of which may cause distress — please speak to a member of Word of Warning or Contact front of house staff before the event if you have any concerns.
Age advisory: 18+ Duration: the double bill will last up to a maximum of 2 hours, including an interval. Both works are largely spoken English; there is some use of flashing light and glycerine vapour. For specific age and access information before the event please email info@habmcr.org or call 0161 232 6086.
More
Even though I have lived in Israel nearly my entire life, I am constantly questioning my place in the world. Maybe this searching comes from being an artist, maybe it comes from being a Jew. I’m not really sure. — Chava Alberstein, songwriter.
With the escalation in violence after Trump declared Jerusalem to be the Jewish capital; questions of antisemitism in the Labour Party; rising levels of awareness of the Palestinian cause and the negative feelings towards Israel + Israelis that often accompany it — this performance feels very timely.
A work about Raz’s ethnicity + gender, racism, and the underlying fear that perpetuates it. Can we surmount divisions imposed by occupation? Can we go beyond the blame game and really see each other’s all too vulnerable humanity?
Who is she?
Jerusalem-born singer-songwriter Avital Raz has made a name for herself, singing politically engaging, strikingly original and fearless songs, to emerge as a distinctive and truly individual voice that speaks with a very real and potent self-expression.
Avital studied at The School of Visual Theatre in Jerusalem, before embarking on a 20 year career as a singer/songwriter and musician. She has released seven albums of her own music; and has been performing with Rafiki Jazz for three years.
What people have said about her
Funny at times, always feisty and possibly even a bit bonkers. It is likely to be one of the most compelling things you hear all year. — The Herald Scotland
My Jerusalem is previewed by Jewish Renaissance.
Credits
Video: Chris Davis | Photography: Jimmy McBroom
My Jerusalem is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. Thanks to Dani Abulhawa.
Works Ahead 2019 is co-commissioned/co-produced by hÅb, Contact + STUN (Sustained Theatre Up North). Project Mentor: Peader Kirk