Playwright Yehoshua Sobol Reimagines Post-Oct 7th Trauma as Satirical Cabaret
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Playwright Yehoshua Sobol transformed his play about Oct 7th trauma into a satirical cabaret.
- The new version aims to express emotional impact and societal rage over the attacks.
- Sobol argues that revenge does not solve problems but exacerbates them.
- He advocates for constructive thinking and building a future for the region.
- Art can be a vital expression of life even in extreme circumstances, he stated.
Playwright Yehoshua Sobol has transformed his play "Crime and Wickedness," originally inspired by the October 7th Hamas attacks, into a satirical cabaret. The play, which premiered on the evening of its revival, centers on a Nova music festival couple, a singer and an actor, who were abducted and held captive. Initially, Sobol aimed for realism, depicting the harsh reality of captivity. However, with the passage of time and the return of living hostages and bodies, he felt a shift was necessary.
"Crime and Wickedness" now features a singer and actor moving around a piano on stage, embracing a more extreme, expressionistic style. Sobol explained that this new approach allows the audience to experience the emotional impact through the songs and the actor's portrayal of rage and criticism. He believes the trauma of October 7th remains an open wound in Israeli society, exacerbated by the lack of a state commission of inquiry to address accountability and preparedness.
Sobol, an acclaimed playwright with a prolific career, drew parallels to his 2016 play "Blood," which explored the debate over reparations from Germany. He recalled how David Ben-Gurion navigated the complex issue of revenge versus reconciliation, opting for a rational approach to absorb returning immigrants. Sobol argues that revenge and resentment only worsen societal ills, even if they represent a primal urge.
Looking forward, Sobol envisions a future for the region similar to post-World War II Europe, characterized by a Middle Eastern common market and community. He sees potential for Israel to reach agreements with Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and possibly Syria, contingent on resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Sobol emphasized the need for constructive thinking about building the future rather than perpetuating the past, a sentiment he hopes to convey through the play's cabaret style.
Sobol also referenced his internationally successful play "Ghetto," which depicted a theater operating within the Vilna Ghetto during the Holocaust. He cited the poet Avraham Sutzkever, who found his most fertile creative period during that time, as an example of how art and creativity can be expressions of vitality and life even in the direst circumstances.