Concerts

Sunday, April 3rd, 2005 at 3:00 PM
NESHAMA, Stories of the Soul

Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza

Transcends generations of Jewish thought and emotion through a mosaic of music, dance and color when Israeli singing sensation Noa Dori joined Keshet Chaim Dance Ensemble in Neshama: Stories of the Soul. Neshama featured choreography by Keshet Chaim artistic director Eytan Avisar and guest choreographers Ilana Cohen and Tsion Marciano of Israel’s Inbal Dance Theatre; original music composed by Uri Ophir and Sharon Farber.

Neshama: Stories of the Soul celebrates the myths evoked by the city of Jerusalem for thousands of years, embracing biblical images as dramas of the soul. The full-length, multimedia performance is inspired by personal, spiritual journeys and enriched by thousands of years of Jewish legends, commentaries and religious texts. Through movement, music, song, visuals and narration, the production sweeps through the millennia, beginning before the creation of the universe and ending in the present.

“Neshama is a dance-theater production that takes the audience on a journey,” explains Keshet Chaim executive director Genie Benson.  “The story is acted out through dance movements that incorporate modern, ballet and folk.  Over 300 hand-painted silk costumes created by Danish costume designer, Nili Glazer, help to transport the audience into the time period.”

Neshama had its premiere performance last February at the Scottish Rite Auditorium, and has been nominated for five Lester Horton Awards, including two for choreography, company performance, costumes, and lighting. 

Neshama: Stories of the Souli was sponsored in part by the Consulate General of Israel, The Jewish Federation, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, Tel-Aviv Los Angeles Partnership Committee, Shalom LA, and AllianceFor the Arts – Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.