Five Reasons to See Zhenya Berkovich's 'Our Treasure' on Israeli Tour
Translated & summarized from Mignews by baba
Theater director Zhenya Berkovich's play "Our Treasure" will tour Israel from November 20 to 28, 2026. The production is noted for its contemporary take on a biblical story, sharp humor, and strong ensemble cast. Critics like Kirill Serebrennikov and Tatyana Dogileva have praised its unique blend of tragedy and comedy and its exploration of human nature. The tour is produced by Rest International.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Zhenya Berkovich's "Our Treasure" will tour Israel from November 20-28, 2026.
- The play offers a contemporary interpretation of a biblical story with sharp humor.
- Critics praise Berkovich's direction and the ensemble cast's performance.
- Notable figures like Kirill Serebrennikov and Tatyana Dogileva have endorsed the production.
- The tour is produced by Rest International.
The theater "Daughters SOSO," led by director Zhenya Berkovich, is set to begin its tour in Israel on November 20, 2026. The troupe will present "Our Treasure," Berkovich's final directorial work before her arrest. The play, which imbues an ancient narrative with a striking contemporary relevance, balances seriousness with a lack of heaviness.
The production is highlighted for Berkovich's directorial skill, noted for her precise touch and authentic human tone, allowing the stage to engage in thought with the audience. The play reimagines a biblical story as a contemporary event, featuring a birth, a census, and official concern, alongside angelic warnings and animals discussing earthly matters.
Berkovich's ability to incorporate humor, even in difficult contexts, is a key feature. The humor in "Our Treasure" is described as dry, precise, and sometimes sharp, juxtaposing bureaucracy, fear, and bewilderment with a sense of wonder without descending into farce.
The ensemble cast, including Marietta Tsigal-Polishchuk, Svetlana Speranskaya, Natasha Gorbas, Irina Sova, and Nikolai Matveev, is praised for their cohesive performance. Their work, combined with music, songs, and movement, enhances the production's rhythm and impact.
Notable figures have commented on the play's depth. Kirill Serebrennikov remarked on its blend of tragic and comic elements, Tatyana Dogileva called it a profound study of human nature, and Anna Mongait observed its serious content beneath a light exterior. Mikhail Shirvindt pointed to the paradoxical mix of biblical themes and everyday simplicity, while Alexander Gorodnitsky noted its capacity to leave audiences with lasting hope. These endorsements suggest "Our Treasure" offers a thought-provoking experience that extends beyond the performance itself. The tour runs until November 28, 2026, produced by Rest International.