'Sarah: Text and Presence' offers a 21st-century reimagining of traditional Jewish texts

Sarah: Text and Presence is an innovative and interactive performance that breathes new life into traditional Jewish texts. Created by Theatre Company Jerusalem (TCJ) and Theater and Theology, this production is a collaborative effort between directors Gabriella Lev and Yael Valier. Building upon their previous work, Sara Take 2, Sarah: Text and Presence diverges from the conventional theater format of the first collaboration, offering a unique and experimental experience.

The show is described as a "performative beit midrash," a term that reflects the fusion of theater, text study, and interactive engagement. It incorporates various elements such as live music, biblical and midrashic texts, contemporary writing, monologues, haiku poetry, and a distinctive light design. The goal is to create an immersive environment that encourages deep human connection, as Lev emphasizes that theater relies on the presence of people sitting together, sharing the same time and space.

Valier highlights the importance of Jewish tradition, where learning is interactive and often involves a paired debate called chevruta study. She envisions bringing this model to a new level by integrating text with actors, audience members, and elements of imagination, humor, and empathy. Valier also acknowledges the contemporary relevance of the production, stating that the moment demands a departure from artistic conventions and the exploration of diverse performance styles, music, text, conversation, and imagination.

The inspiration behind Sarah: Text and Presence stems from Lev's reflections on the role of theater in times of crisis, such as the pandemic and the events of October 7. She wonders how theater can adapt and fulfill its duty in such challenging times. The answer, according to Lev, lies in the fundamental quality of theater: presence. She believes that deep human contact is increasingly rare, and traditional theater cannot replicate this experience on a screen.

Lev and Valier share a common vision of reimagining Jewish text as a living and dynamic source of inspiration. They find Sarah to be an ideal figure to embody this theme, as her contradictions and association with the shofar allow for exploration of her voice in the present day. The production also places Sarah within the context of the holidays, emphasizing beginnings, re-creation, gratitude, and celebration.

What sets this production apart is its innovative approach to text learning. Lev and Valier believe that the Talmud's poetic and associative style, often found in aggadic passages, offers a valuable alternative to conventional learning methods. By presenting text in a performative beit midrash format, the production aims to reignite the pleasure and habit of engaging with ancient texts in a new and inspiring way.

The creators hope that audiences, particularly those accustomed to more traditional theater experiences, will embrace this unique opportunity to connect with the material in a fresh and meaningful manner.