Jerusalem Immersive Theater Event Explores Golem Legend
An innovative cultural experience titled "Engolement: A Parable of Twelve Golems" will take place in Jerusalem on September 27 and 28. This event blends theater, improvisation, and live-action role-playing, centering on the Golem, a significant figure in Jewish folklore. Unlike traditional performances, there will be no actors or audience; instead, twelve participants will embody the characters and navigate the narrative in real-time, making decisions and interacting within the story's world. No prior acting experience is required, and a preparatory workshop will be provided.
The event is set in a fictional shtetl populated by twelve Golems, brought to life through Kabbalistic knowledge. Each Golem possesses a tablet with the words that animated them and has a limited vocabulary for communication. The community faces an unknown threat and decides to build a protective wall. The Golems are tasked with assisting in this construction but face an existential dilemma: continue their assigned roles or explore their own identities. The experience is designed to last approximately two and a half hours.
"Engolement" was conceived by Lian Yedidya, Hila Meinrath, and Natan Skop, in partnership with Aspamia LARP. An initial Hebrew version was developed for the 2025 "Roll of Destiny" exhibition at Tel Aviv's Schechter Gallery, which focused on games inspired by Jewish traditions. This new English-language iteration is aimed at Jerusalem's international audience and is produced by Theater and Theology and Theater in the Rough. It will be held at the Mamuta Art & Research Center at Hansen House. Three sessions are scheduled: September 27 at 7 p.m., and September 28 at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., with each session limited to twelve participants.
