Ilana Bar Shares Personal Story of Brother’s Death in Puppet Theater Show in Jerusalem
Ilana Bar is preparing to premiere her new show "You Would Have Died, Teddy" on August 20 at the International Puppet Festival hosted by the Carriage Theater in Jerusalem. The performance, aimed at audiences aged 12 and up, recounts the story of her brother, Private Hanan Bar, who was accidentally killed by a stray bullet in 1967 while serving at a military base. Bar has struggled for decades to process her grief and now uses the show to openly explore themes of loss, memory, and healing.
Bar describes the emotional challenge of the production, expressing concerns about whether the show might be too intense or too sad, but ultimately hopes it will allow audiences to feel and communicate more openly about difficult topics. The performance includes a small plastic teddy bear with whom Bar interacts, creating a space where even taboo subjects like death can be discussed with children and adults alike. The show combines humor, personal anecdotes, and original music to convey a nuanced portrayal of life and mourning.
Bar recalls the profound impact of her brother’s death on her family and herself, including the silence surrounding the tragedy and the complexity of not having him recognized as a war hero. She shares a vivid childhood memory of running hand in hand with Hanan and reflects on how the family coped with the loss. The show also touches on her personal journey, including moments of solitude and the gradual process of remembrance through memorial ceremonies at her kibbutz.
The International Puppet Festival, celebrating its 35th year, runs from August 16 to 20 in various venues around Jerusalem’s Gan HaPaamon. Bar’s show is part of a diverse program featuring dozens of performances, workshops, and events. Directed by Moran Duvshani, the production grew out of Bar’s participation in a theater course and emphasizes the importance of openly discussing death with younger audiences, a subject Bar felt was neglected in her own upbringing.
