Mr. Begin Review

Stage: Mamul Magazine: All that is Culturally Worthy

Sapir Academic College

 

Who Did You Call “Chach-Chachim”(Riff-Raff)?

By Ophir Hillel

 

In an innocent age when politicians were with less faults, it was easy to become blinded by a charismatic leader. Today, it is well known that the image of a public figure is not necessarily true to the source. In the end, underneath the regal suit hides the naked human being. When the Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize winner stands a couple feet away from you, things take on a certain proportion, even if it is an actor on stage.

Although the persona has long since been gathered to his fathers, still the appearance on stage is not one of an impression, in the style of popular television satire. On stage there is no parody; it is an absolute new reality that has come to life. It may be the same recognizable character with the same biography and life stories, however, this is something altogether new.

The play, “Mr. Begin”, presents Begin at the twilight of his life, breaking his silence. It becomes an encounter with a powerful leader who comes to terms with his conscience and settles scores; it is an open conversation with history in the making, recalling glory and scorn, that wonderfully connects Menahem Begin with the heritage of Menahem Begin touching all of our lives in the State of Israel. In addition, Begin lets loose his anger against the Palestinians, and lays bare his feelings about Sabra and Shatila, Sadat and Saddam and even the “Chach-Chachim” (riff-raff) of the Likud.

The character, with its all its depth, strengths and weaknesses, is simply moulded by fire. It is especially poignant when he eulogizes his wife, Aliza, recalling the “’kindness of her youth” and as if he were eulogizing himself and his actions at the same time. It was only then that the audience, amongst whom were parents, teachers and children, felt they were in the presence of something enigmatic; a merchant of peace, a lover of mankind, stoic and emotional, tenaciously dedicated to a purpose, powerful yet sympathetic.

“Mr. Begin” is a lesson to a generation that both knows and does not know who Begin was; and it is presented equally to a mature audience and to youth as one and the same. There is no doubt that this is an essential play for young people albeit their missing the ability to “replay” previous scenes in their minds, and without tracing epic episodes of heroism, still the message will echo and speak for itself.

The Nephesh Theatre Company production instills power and strength into an intimate monodrama that was written by Gabriel Emanuel and directed by Tzahi Bendavid. Ron Wiseman provided music from the appropriate period and the Actor was none other than Dani Steg, who shines in his performance. What a wonderful demonstration of the art of acting that he breathes into the character. And he enters the character so effortlessly and so powerfully. What a dynamic performance. What a challenge.