New Play Imagines Israel Saved by Mass Shabbat Observance
The Gesher Theater in Israel is staging a new musical production titled "Acharit Hayamim" (End of Days), which presents a satirical and absurd vision of the country's future. The play imagines a scenario in 2026 where, facing an existential threat and a looming nuclear war, the Israeli government launches a desperate national salvation plan: mass, collective observance of Shabbat. This initiative is intended to hasten the arrival of the Messiah and, consequently, the end of days.
The musical, created by Neta Wiener, Michael Stern, and Uri Yaniv, who also stars, begins with a couple, Yoel and Naomi, in their 40s experiencing a midlife crisis amidst the nation's turmoil. Yoel, recently laid off from his tech job, and Naomi, a psychologist, are disillusioned with their lives and the perpetual state of war in Israel. The government's radical plan to observe Shabbat as a means of national salvation is presented as the last resort.
"Acharit Hayamim" draws inspiration from "The Book of Mormon" for its willingness to satirize religious and national tenets, and from "Hamilton" with its rap-infused musical numbers. The play does not spare Israeli society, with Yoel expressing his distrust through lyrics referencing past failed attempts at peace, political figures, and personal vices. The production is described as a bold and fearless satire that tackles sensitive subjects, amplified by grotesque and comical direction from Roni Brodecki, and a vibrant, comic-book-like set design by Michael Kramenko.
While the lyrics are praised for their wit and cultural references, some of the musical compositions are noted as repetitive, with fewer memorable tunes. Despite this, the play is seen as a serious yet playful work that conveys its message without becoming a lecture. Specific scenes, such as Yoel being interrogated but not subjected to violence because he is "not Arab," or a character from the US trying to convince him to observe Shabbat, highlight the play's unique Israeli context and humor.
The production's chaotic and energetic atmosphere, supported by a large ensemble of actors and dancers, contributes to its overall impact. Ultimately, "Acharit Hayamim" is characterized as a hilarious, wild, and fearless creation that, despite its absurdity, feels disturbingly close to Israel's reality in 2026, prompting an artistic response that matches the escalating anxieties of the times.
