Hebrew – it’s the language of the Bible, but it’s also the language of poetry, comedy and endlessly inventive slang. These diverse aspects of Hebrew will be the focus of Lashon Rishon – the 6th Annual Conference on the Hebrew Language from February 5 – 8, at the Center for the Performing Arts in Rishon LeZion.
It’s very much a conference of the living language – as it is spoken, written and transformed in art. Performing artists such as Hava Alberstein, Yoni Rechter, Shlomi Shaban, and Karolina will perform and take part in the conference alongside researchers, authors and poets.
The opening event, in the presence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minster of Culture and Sport Limor Livnat and Rishon LeZion Mayor Uzi Dayan, will feature Hava Alberstein. The Eliezer Ben Yehuda Prime Minister’s Award for the fostering and preservation of the Hebrew language, and the Rishon LeZion Mayor’s Prize for creativity in the Hebrew language will be awarded at this event. Tuesday, February 5th at 20:00.
Hanoch Levin – poet/playwright/director and artist of the Hebrew language will be celebrated at the conference. Yoni Rechter, Shlomi Shaban, Eli Magen, Karolina and Itamar Rothschild will launch their new project, a book and album of Levin’s songs in new arrangements. The ensemble will perform songs from the album, as well as Levin’s best known songs, on Wednesday, February 6th at 21:00. Musical production by Assaf Talmudi with Itamar Doari – percussion; Eyal Talmudi – recorder; Assaf Roth – marimba; Assaf Talmudi – vocals and accordion; Gershon Waiserfirer – trombone; Gershon Lazerson – violin; Eran Weitz – electric guitar and vocals; Roni Iwrin – percussion. This promises to be something special!
Ohad Naharin will talk about Gaga, the movement language he has developed to work with the dancers of the Batsheva Dance Company, and with people of all ages and levels of fitness. The event will take place on Wednesday, February 6th at 16:00. Advance registration is required. Naharin will also conduct a gaga class, for more information call: 03-9488668.
Hebrew on the internet, Hebrew in politics, and Hebrew in comedy are just some of the different topics covered in this all-encompassing, lively conference. The witty and hilarious contributions of the comedy troup “Hagashash HaHiver” will be performed by Yoni Bloch, Miki Gavrielov, Danny Sanderson, Maor Cohen, Kobi Afflalo, Idan Alterman, Guri Alfi, Danny Shtag, Ariel Zilber, Dory Ben Zeev, and discussed by Rubik Rozental and Yaron London/Dan Almagor, in an evening moderated by Shaike Levy on Thursday February 7th at 20:30; and for dessert: Guri Alfi will be performing stand-up at 23:00.
Tolkein fans and translators – the Hebrew incarnations and linguistic adventures of J. R. Tolkein’s The Hobbit will be the focus on Friday, February 8th at 12:00.
The complete program and additional information is available in Hebrew on the conference website and facebook page. For tickets and information, call: 03-9488668.
