(Image from Hagai M. Segal.)
Delacorte Theater – Shakespeare Festival, New York, 1992. Also At: La Mama; Lincoln Center; Teatro di Roma, Italy; Satellite broadcast on WBAI, 1986; Temple of David, Jerusalem — Published by Broadway Play Publishing
Jerusalem is a musical journey through a timeless city filled with passions and sounds that can be found wherever people fight to survive. Through original chanting folk-song chorus and instrumental atmosphere, a whole world is created that celebrates the incredible spirit of each human being who believes fervently. Jerusalem is also humorous and cautionary. It creates a fitting memorial to those who have suffered the wanderings of refugees and the piece speak out on behalf of all those who are persecuted for their beliefs.
This work is dedicated to Yehuda Amichai. It was created on the occasion of his 60th birthday. The work is also dedicated to Ellen Stewart, who shall always be the most important inspiration behind the international collisions and fusions of musical forces.
Conceived and Composed by Elizabeth Swados
Transcribed by Natasha Lutov
Based on the poetry of Yehuda Amichai and the book of Jeremiah, as well as improvisational workshops by the company
Original La Mama Cast:
Iraj Anvar, Aaron Bensoussan, Rev. Tsehai Birhanu, Daisy S. Braverman, Sheila Dabney, Keith David, Jossie de Guzman, Sussan Deiham, Dan Erkkila, Benhlima Abdel Hakim, Rodney Hudson, Genji Ito, Gezahegn Kristos, Dimitri Ledkovsky, Janet Leuchter, Esther Levy, Danny Lubnitzki, Natasha Lutov, Grigoris Maninakis, Larry Marshall, Geoffrey Nauffts, Bill Parry, Maro Partamian, Gordon Pratt, Maureen Regan, Zohreh Shayesteh, Michael Sirotta, Jonathan Weinstein