Actress Sarah Vienu-Elad Discusses Play Reflecting Israel's War-Torn Reality
Actress Sarah Vienu-Elad has described her participation in the new play "Engagement Party" at the Beit Lessin Theater as a deeply resonant experience, reflecting the current harsh realities of Israel.
In an interview with Kan News, Vienu-Elad explained that the play, written and directed by Hillel Mittelpunkt, is set against the backdrop of ongoing conflict, specifically mentioning the evacuation of northern communities due to war and the few individuals remaining to defend the area. She characterized the war as a pervasive, three-year background to daily life that Israelis have become accustomed to.
The play's narrative is set slightly before the present day, a time Vienu-Elad described as more intense, with frequent air raid sirens and the unresolved issue of hostages. She portrays an aunt visiting from Atlanta to persuade her nephew, a lone soldier recently called up for service in Gaza, to return home, highlighting the mother's extreme anxiety.
Vienu-Elad noted the audience's strong reactions, suggesting a public need for artistic interpretations of current events. She described the audience as actively participating, sharing in moments of laughter that release stress and intense, painful truths that create palpable tension in the room.
Personalizing the experience, Vienu-Elad shared that her home in Ramat Gan was damaged by a missile strike during Operation "With All Your Might," which she identified as the first missile from Iran to hit Israel in years. She reflected on the societal perception of war and peace, stating that Israelis often experience a sense of calm during wartime, believing the situation will be resolved, while discussions of peace induce stress. She advocated for pragmatic peace agreements that ensure security, economic stability, and societal progress, rather than necessarily demanding close friendships.
When asked about her recent 55th birthday, Vienu-Elad expressed a simple wish: "More. More of everything."
