Habima Theater Festival to Showcase New Israeli Plays

The "Oftim Bama" (Opening the Stage) Festival, dedicated to new Israeli playwriting and named in memory of Jenny Brandes, will take place at the Cameri Theater at the end of the month. The festival will open with the musical "Bad Habits," by media personality Gil Riva, based on his autobiographical book and revealing secrets from his past.

Six staged readings and a production titled "Casting Mistake" are also scheduled. These include "Karaoke," a stage adaptation of the award-winning film by Shlomit Arnon and Liat Fishman; "Praying with the Criminals" by Rachel Keshet, about a family dealing with their son's actions as a "hilltop youth"; "Covenant of Fire" by Tom Selma, about an IDF widower fighting the establishment to convert his infant son after his husband's death; "Sticky" by Aliza Chanowitz, about an American oleh (immigrant) seeking the ideal Israeli man; and "Those Standing Aside" by Daniel Ravner.

The festival will conclude with the performance "Casting Mistake," featuring actors from the Cameri Theater. Following the festival, an award for outstanding playwright will be presented by a panel of theater professionals.

Now in its 28th year, "Oftim Bama" is the first festival in Israel dedicated to new Israeli playwriting. Under the artistic direction of Avishai Milstein, it was created to promote Israeli playwriting and encourage young creators, serving as a crucial launchpad for emerging playwrights. Over 300 plays have been written and staged within the festival's framework, including successful productions like "Mikveh," "The Indian Patient," and "Tea."

As part of the festival, the closing event for the 16th graduating class of the Cameri Theater's playwriting school and stage workshops will be held, featuring readings from plays developed during the year's workshop.