“Becoming Israel provided my congregation with a
wonderful opportunity to witness Jacob’s ancient
struggle as an inner conflict that is part of us today.
Storahtelling makes the past come alive.”

–Rabbi Gregory S. Marx

“Israel is a complicated place because it contains the
entirety of the Jewish experience. The three characters
in 'Becoming Israel' present distinct experiences from
three historical eras, but each story is connected to a
larger context. This reflects both a historical truth and
an emotional response shared by many who have
experienced Israel : that the stories of Israel are both
many and one.”

–Esther Kustanowitz

 
 
 


Three parallel lives intertwine to discover their shared story and
their common name—Israel—“The One Who Struggles with God”.
Leah, a Biblical wife, meets Rachel, a Holocaust survivor, and Jake, a
young American on his first trip to Israel. Fusing sacred scripture with
contemporary stagecraft, Becoming Israel examines the intersection
between individual identity and collective memory, inviting audiences
for a closer look at the legacy of Israel in a global reality.

Becoming Israel features original soundscore, adaptations of biblical text
and historical narrative. It is designed for a teen and adult audience.
60 minutes in length.

Created collaboratively by Amichai Lau-Lavie, Annie Levy and
Storahtelling artists
Directed by Annie Levy
Original sound design by Katie Down

The live performance of Becoming Israel is accompanied by:

• A talkback with the cast following the performance which provides an
opportunity for a Q&A on process and a platform for discussion and debate
for the community.
15-30 minutes.

• An Interactive Workshop based on the Biblical text and themes that
inform the play and can be tailored to groups depending on age.
Recommend 90-120 minutes for group of 30 or fewer participants.

• Educational materials—available in print form on our website, these
supplementary materials are intended for use in the upper middle
school/high school classroom following a live performance.


 

  

WHO'S WHO

Elana Bell (Leah)
Jessica Bay Blyweiss (Leah)
Daliya Karnovsky (Rachel)
Jonathan Riddleberger (Jake)
David Schiller (Jake)
Franny Silverman (Rachel)
Sarah Sokolic (Leah)
Emily Warshaw (Rachel)
Isadore Alexander Wolfson (Jake)

Written and Conceived by Amichai Lau-Lavie, Annie Levy, Shawn Shafner, Melissa Shaw, Franny Silverman, and Emily Warshaw
Directed by Annie Levy
Stage Managed by Shani Colleen Murfin
Sound Design by Katie Down
Torah Chanting by Galeet Dardashti
Narration by Scott Nogi
Roles Originated by Shawn Shafner, Melissa Shaw and Franny Silverman

Artistic Director - Amichai Lau-Lavie
Associate Artistic Director for Becoming Israel - Franny Silverman