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Friday, April 3, 2009

1776 - 1948

Last night, we saw the show "1776."

I thought it was fantastic! My kids did not appreciate it as much as I did. They felt like they did not understand it as much because they were not raised in America. They are probably correct.

We saw the final performance. Afterwards, the director announced that there was a woman in the audience, Shula Cohen, who had fought for Israel's independence and spent 6 years in prison for spying against the British occupation for Israel, while living in Lebanon from 1947 until the early 60's. She was caught and imprisoned by Syria, and released after the 6 day war as part of a prisoner exchange. The connection that the director, and then the producer, made between America's independence and Israel's was very moving.

When they finished speaking, the producer invited the audience to stand. He signalled the orchestra to play and, together, the entire audience sang Hatikvah, Israel's national anthem.


(thanks Mona, for the historical correction!)

Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.

With love and optimism,
RivkA

5 comments:

Lena said...

1776 is the greatest thing ever. From your description, I take it that you didn't watch the movie with William Daniels playing John Adams...you must, you must, you must. It has been my favorite movie since I was about 6 years old.

RivkA with a capital A said...

We watched a local production of the play. It was so much fun!!

I wanted to show my kids the movie first, so they would be familiar with the story and the music, but I was not organized enough!

It's too bad you missed the show! Maybe you should join my tickets list (I organize group discounts to plays, mainly musicals and G&S operettas)

Mona said...

Shula Cohen spoke in Givat Zeev a couple of years ago. Her granddaughter lives here. She has an amazing story, and a book written about her.

Mona said...

Just reread what you wrote. Shula Cohen did not spy against the British occupation. She was living in Lebanon and spied for Israel from 1947 until the early 60's when she was caught and imprisoned by Syria. She was released after the 6 day war as part of a prisoner exchange.

RivkA with a capital A said...

Thanks Mona! I corrected the post!