“THE HABIMA"

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 78, 27 December 1926, Page 3

“THE HABIMA"

A NEW ART IN THE THEATRE. “The Habima,” tbe title of the Jewish theatre born in Soviet Russia live or six years ago, is said to be the most sensational contribution to tbe modem stage, and one that is destined to have great and wide-reaching effects. Our stage has to some extent become mechanical and artificial, but "The Habima” has restored naturalism devoid of pose, sincerity without rant, intellectuality without the swank of cult. When the company (which has been allowed to proceed to America for an eight weeks season) appeared in Austria it swept the artistic Viennese people off their feet, though perhaps only 75 per cent, could understand what was being said, for all the plays are written in classic Hebrew. Reinhardt, the German producer, witnessed every play—and other producers and critics came from near and far to listen, look, and learn. ( One writer discussing “The Habima” analysed its art, cause and effect. After dwelling on scenery, personality, colouring, etc., all of which lie found had no special apjieal, he, concluded that the magic lay in the fac that the actors, one and all, played witli tlieir Heart’s blood in their frantic enthusiasm for their work. “They are ignorant, or z indifferent to, the tricks and cuteness of their trade; they shunned the cunning and craft of the western actor. Every word they spoke rang true; each modulation of their voice echoed the tragedy of tlieir people. The artists of The Habima are not stars; in fact, it is perhaps misleading to consider them actors in the western sense of the term. They catne from the dark sorrowstricken ghetios of Russia, and it is doubtful if ever thev have studied thenart at all. Their shortcomings constitute their very virtues; tlieir intensity is unspoilt by routine, tlieir sincerity and natural dramatic ability are unbound by the fetters of tradition and convention. They are preachers of a national gospel; fanatics of a great ideal; prophets of a new art.” The plays so far presented by G IIS remarkable organisation are “Ihe Dybbuk,” “The Wandering Jew,” The Golem,” and "Jacob’s Dream. these “The Dybbuk” by Ansky will form the opening bill oti their appearance in New York.