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Friday March 9, 2007

Allusions in ‘Hamlet’ haunt modern Israelis

by dina kraft
jta

tel aviv | “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark,” an officer declares in a Hebrew version of “Hamlet,” and the Israeli audience shifts uncomfortably in its seats.

In this modern version of the Shakespeare classic, the audience and the actors are acutely aware of how relevant the centuries-old tale of corruption and tragedy feels at a time of deep national malaise in Israel because of several high-level government scandals and questions about how last summer’s war in Lebanon was handled.

Director Omri Nitzan compares Hamlet’s indecision to the very questions the nation has faced since it came into existence — for example, whether or not to strike forcefully and immediately at those who might threaten the country, or consider a more cautious range of responses while weighing the moral consequences of any action.

Nitzan said the production is very Israeli in its nature with its frenzied tempo, emotional pull and political sensitivity.

The Cameri Theatre of Tel Aviv is bringing its production of “Hamlet,” now in its second year of sold-out performances, to the American stage for the first time in early March. It will be performed at the Shakespeare in Washington Festival in Washington, D.C., following several performances at Shakespeare festivals in Europe.

Performed in modern dress against the backdrop of rock and other contemporary music, the production fully involves its audience, which takes in the play from long rows alongside a stage set up like a catwalk.

Spectators sit in swivel chairs to see the action, which surrounds them from the main stage as well as all sides of the theater. The play is in Hebrew — in Washington, an English translation will appear on the walls.

The Cameri decided to stage a contemporary Israeli version of “Hamlet” more than two years ago, as the country was preparing for the withdrawal of Jewish settlements and army troops from the Gaza Strip. At the time there were fears the pullout might lead to massive violence between settlers and their supporters against security forces — fighting that might even lurch into a civil war.

The conflict within one political family that led to bloodshed and a type of civil war on stage in “Hamlet” inspired the theater to stage the production.

Today the political landscape has shifted and a wave of corruption scandals is preoccupying the country.

The theme of corruption in the play — moral and political — strikes a salient, if different, chord for recent audiences.

Hamlet deals with “the daily life of a kingdom and the relationship of the people towards the ruler, his family and corruption,” said Noam Semel, director general of the Cameri, Israel’s largest theater. “All of this is relevant to the issues of our day.”

The recent resignation of the Israeli police chief after he was implicated in an investigative report about the suspicious handling of a case involving a notorious crime family came on the heels of the resignation of the head of the tax authority, who is being probed for influence peddling.

Among others being looked at in various corruption scandals is the prime minister’s bureau manager and the finance minister. Israelis have been especially agog at possible rape charges against President Moshe Katsav.

Meanwhile, the former justice minister, Haim Ramon, was found guilty recently of kissing a young female soldier against her will.

“Corruption exists everywhere in political life,” Semel said. “It’s not only typical in Israel, but Israel should be proud that it is judging and examining it.”

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