This year it will emphasize Israeli creation during 10 days of events, dozens of shows, open rehearsals and open-air shows. Produced by the Suzanne Dellal Center.
By Chiquita Levov, text and photos.
“Al-Atlal”
The “Tel Aviv Dance” Festival It is one of the most notable events of the Suzanne Center Dellal and leader in the field of contemporary dance in Israel, this year will include 19 performances by dozens of Israeli creators, choreographers and dancers, including 7 premieres, as well as outdoor performances, open rehearsals and special events. Anat Fisher Leventón, executive director and Naomi Perlov artistic director declare that "this year and given the situation, the festival emphasizes the local creation of new works along with retrospectives and other content, which connects the public and allows them to "touch" the creators and the works." The festival opens with a festive evening, presenting the piece “Al-Atlal” in which the choreographer and dancer Orly Portal, shows its contemporary interpretation of ancestral traditions, and combines elements from the field of contemporary dance with Arabic sounds. Between August 1 and 10. More data: https://telavivdance.suzannedellal.org.il
Fischer Leventon and Perlov
On the occasion of the presentation of the 2024 program we met the directors of the Suzanne Dellal Center. Anat Fisher Levantón told us: “Tel Aviv Dance” is an annual festival that is celebrated for the 24th year, and in the shadow of the war, we decided to put emphasis on an Israeli work. “We promote Israeli dance even on days like these and this year we are even more proud to offer them a stage.” Naomi Perlov stated: “Art is not created in a vacuum, it lives and responds to the reality around it, and here too we have carefully chosen works that respond to the reality we live in at this complex time. “We invite the public to come and enjoy the best and most exciting dance performances.”
This year's Festival program is made up of notable works and performances that correspond and respond to the events of the recent period. For the first time, there will be free rehearsals, open to the general public, as a community social action that brings the public closer to the creative process and the inner world of the creators. They will take place in the main square of the Center. The Festival will include additional programs such as introducing the next generation of new 1|2|3 creators, family-friendly shows, artist talks and studio shows. And a connection between the world of creators and dancers to work on original and unique personal processes.
Racheli Kahana and Perlov
Among the featured events: “Al-Atlal” by Orly Portal, a dance of lament for the loss of life and faith, of a story of love that died for a world that was destroyed. It questions how one of the ruins is built, based on the words of the poem by Ibrahim Naji, Egyptian poet and doctor, performed by Umm Kultum. A tribute to commemorate the centenary of the birth of Noa Eshkol, inventor of “Eshkol-Wachman”, one of the only writers of the movement in the world, an Israeli whose works are exhibited in international museums. A chamber dance founded by Noa Eshkol will be presented, with the participation of the dancer Racheli Nul-Kahana, (83). A 1976 film about the writing of the movement directed by Uri Zohar will be screened.
“Thisispain”
More at the festival: Hillel Kogan renews his great creation “Thisispain” presented together with Mijal Natan director of the Israeli Flamenco Company. An unmissable show in which the two dancers and choreographers together offer a modern and humorous (with a wink) interpretation of flamenco. There will be a program dedicated to the artist duo Yossi Berg and Oded Graf, which includes outstanding works from two decades of work, which earned them international recognition, and the “Fantasy and Love” workshop that takes the public on a journey through three works.
Tavori Group