The Khan Theatre in the play "A Simple Story": Agnon at His Best

"A Simple Story" - one of Shmuel Yosef Agnon's most beloved and famous works - accompanies us from high school. Then, perhaps we didn't understand it so well, and now perhaps we no longer remember it exactly - so here is the opportunity to experience the story, as presented by the Jerusalem Khan Theater, in a wonderful production, with text full of poetry, humor, and love. It's a seemingly simple story, but complex and multi-layered when you delve into it, and evokes the desire to return and read this novel.

"A Simple Story" by S.Y. Agnon, is staged for the first time at the Jerusalem Khan Theatre, in a new and exciting production, celebrating 90 years since the publication of the first edition. The novel, written in 1935 and considered a cornerstone of Hebrew literature, now receives a new theatrical interpretation, in a creative and imaginative play, adapted and directed by Yotam Guttel.

Story Plot: Hershel Horowitz, son of a wealthy family, is captivated by the charms of Bluma Nacht, a poor orphan who works in his family's home. His strict mother opposes the connection between the two and arranges for him to marry Mina, who is wealthy. The months pass, but Hershel cannot break free from his first love, which torments him and brings him to the point of madness. He is treated, healed (really?) and comes to terms with married life and fatherhood (really?).

The production touches on the very heart of the conflict between emotion, true love, and social norms. Between sanity and mental oppression. In an era where more and more creators are raising the question of "social norms" versus what the heart wants. Each character in the story - has weight and value and an impact on its evolution into a complete and fascinating work: the controlling and heartless mother, the spineless father, the abandoned lover who tries to rebuild her life, the fresh bride who also tries to rebuild married life, and the central character - the groom who, against his heart's desire, behaves in the world, and perhaps, finally accepts the verdict, and perhaps not.

Photo 2 = From "A Simple Story" at the Khan Theater. Photo by Yael Ilan

The adaptation to a contemporary novel and the sweeping direction - compliments to Yotam Guttel. The Khan's stage is filled with charming and eye-catching Agnonian characters and disguises that enrich the world around them and the additional characters. The music is original and performed live on stage and the scenery consists of two podiums, the surface of one of them resembles compacted earth and the other is made of worn wooden planks, and together they create an image of the chambers of the heart.

The acting is excellent, and each participant embodies his character or characters in a wonderful way. Irit Pashtan (the mother of the family) is mesmerizing in her controlling-dominant role. Erez Tzafrir (the father of the family, the psychiatrist) is wonderful in his tragic-comic abilities. Anna Pogatch (Bluma - the rejected lover) and Nitzan Lebretovsky (Mina - the rejected bride), both evoke identification in their credible acting. Gal Zak (Hershel - the groom) is excellent in building a complex character that develops in unexpected directions. In conclusion - a wonderful cast of actors!

And almost a spoiler: Be alert towards the end of the play... The last chord is, in my opinion, a brilliant choice!

"A Simple Story" - a new adaptation of the novel by Shmuel Yosef Agnon Creators and actors: Adaptation and direction: Yotam Guttel Dramaturgy and original music: Dori Parnas Scenery: Dina Conson Costumes: Liron Sapir Lighting: Roni Cohen Movement Design: Polina Dreiden Mask Production: Shmuel Shohat Production Manager: Keren Or Gadon Assistant Director: Ira Orlov Piano: Yair Sari Actors: Erez Shafir, Irit Pashtan, Gal Zak, Nitzan Lebretovsky, Anna Pogatch

For tickets: https://www.khan.co.il

Photo 1 = From "A Simple Story" at the Khan Theater. Photo by Yael Ilan