When was the last time you called your grandmother?!

Image source: www.khan.co.il

I went to see a play that took place in the “Kahn Theatre” in Jerusalem. If you have never been in this theatre before, I highly recommend that you visit. The unique atmosphere of the Turkish structure made of old fashioned stones, beautiful arches, the blossom of  colorful flowers and the big mulberry tree, makes you feel you are in a magical place.

I went to see the SAVTOT (The Grandmothers), which is set in a nursing home. The idea of the play came from a group of actors who wanted to bring their grandmothers back to life, through acting on stage, introducing their special characters to the audience. The director chose a unique way of presenting the play in a way that the male actors are playing their grandmothers, the nurse is the only character played by an actress. There are four ladies in their 70’s and a young nurse who takes care of them. Each of  “the” ladies comes from a different background and has a different life story. The nurse who takes care of them represents the “mature adult”, the roles have switched and the 28 year old fills the mother’s role by making sure all of their basic needs like medicine, food and overall health, has been taken care of. It’s funny to see how the elderly women are trying to avoid the presence of this caring nurse, like they are children in kindergarten. When Fella (one of the characters), dresses up very fancy, planning on sneaking out during nap time at the nursing home, she  bumps into the nurse, who asks her questions about where she is going. Fella with no shame tells the nurse she is going to see her doctor, even though she is going on a date. The comic element of the older lady lying to the young lady is a funny moment to watch. Her excuse can remind us”, “the audience, of when we were pupils and told a lie to our teacher when we wanted to get something. 

The grandmothers don’t let us forget that the young nurse is busy with her own troubles, and the roles switch again when she breaks up with her boyfriend and gets comfort from the old ladies. It’s a beautiful moment to see that we all need comfort, no matter our age.  The audience are exposed to the ladies’ daily routines and through that and their special relationship, we can get a peek at their life, troubles, fears and desires. The common denominator between the grandmothers is the emotional connection to their grandchildren, and their wish not to be forgotten. The director brilliantly creates a “dialog” between the actors and the audience during the performance. This unique experience makes the audience feel part of the events happening on stage and"," through that, the energy in the theatre hall is crazy in a very good way. The most powerful moment I experienced was the surprising ending that made me want to grab my phone and call my grandmother right away!

The SAVTOT is a comedy with wild humour- combined with sadness that can make you cry and which truly touches the most sensitive human feelings that still allows the audience to leave with smiles on their faces, thinking about their beloved grandmothers.

The play runs through the months of June and July.2022 on various days and times. I highly recommend you go and watch.  (Link to the Kahn Theater to check for schedule: https://www.khan.co.il/shows-list)  Telephone to check English subtitles availability: 02- 6303600 Extension 1