The Dybbuk, or Between Two Worlds at Elgin Theatre

Show One Productions presents Israel’s famed Gesher Theatre (“One of the greatest and most important troupes in the world.” – The London Times) in the North American premiere of Roy Chen’s acclaimed modern reimagining of The Dybbuk, or Between Two Worlds.

Comedy and tragedy, mysticism and psychology combine in a mesmerizing journey through Jewish folklore and the spiritual world. Two of Israel`s leading actors, Israel Demidov and Efrat Ben Zur (“the first lady of the Israeli theatre” – Calcalist) head a cast of 25 as lovers in a riveting drama of love beyond death.

“Every moment in this production is interesting, beautiful, and stimulates the imagination.” – Haaretz

Written in Russian in Moscow, 1913-16, and subsequently performed in Yiddish, Hebrew and other languages around the world, The Dybbuk tells the story of Hanan, a poor yeshiva student, deeply involved in the Kabbalah and in love with Lea, daughter of one of the town’s richest men. Learning that Lea is about to be married, Hanan dies of a broken heart. However, he finds himself caught between two worlds, neither dead nor alive. His restless soul returns to Lea on her wedding day, possessing her as a dybbuk – a malicious spirit – and halts the wedding. During the ceremony of exorcising the dybbuk, the dark secret of Lea’s father comes to light.

Two performances – in Hebrew, with English and Russian surtitles:
Sept. 29, 8 pm
Sept. 30, 3 pm