Time Out at 40

Dana International | Ohad Naharin | Etgar Keret | Tzipi Livni

Ohad Naharin

Ohad Naharin
One of Israel's most prominent dance producers, Naharin began his artistic way as a member of the IDF Northern Command military band, before leaving for New York, later Brussels and then back to Israel where he started working with Bat-Dor dance company. In 1990, when he was appointed artistic director of Batsheva Dance Company, there he created some of Israel's most notable pieces, such as ‘Anaphase’ and ‘Kir’, which established him as one of the most esteemed choreographers in the world. Why is he a hero? Because he changed Israeli dance from a passion of fanatics only, to something for the people, while the dance language he had formulated, 'GAGA', moved many laymen on to the dance floor instinctively. Feature continues

Who are your heroes in Tel Aviv and why?
My first hero is Ana Matal. This woman stayed with us for a while to take care of my wife when she got sick. She has been living in Tel Aviv for several years, having come over from the Philippines to save some money. She hasn't seen her children since she left her country. The first time I opened the door I saw her climbing up the stairs. Her smile illuminated the dark stairwell. This smile has not been dimmed even as she cries with the pain of missing her children. Expressing no resentment, honest, diligent, generous and with the nous of a shaman.

Who are your global heroes?
I have a long list and will mention three: Popeye, Batman and Dragon Ball.

In your opinion, what was the most significant event in dance in the last 40 years?
This is an awful question, since there is no such thing as ‘the most prominent event’ not in the dance field nor in any other field. This reply is not an expression of mental indolence but a protest against the attempt to set one event above the rest.

What is your favourite place in Tel Aviv?
I can answer it easily – Sheinkin – Sheinkin street where you can find the lefties, the orthodox Jews, the right_wingers, the yuppies, the Arabs, the Jews, filth and order under the same roof. And life goes on.

What are your hopes for the future, what is your dream?
My hopes for the future revolve around raising children, love, creativity, music and teaching the GAGA and getting it across to as many people as possible, including non-dancers who wish to improve and strengthen their body through the link between movement, effort, pleasure, the power of imagination and some silliness. And my dream? Six years ago I vowed not to share my dreams…

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Dana International | Ohad Naharin | Etgar Keret | Tzipi Livni