Making sense in Tel Aviv
Meet Nalaga’ at, the world’s first deaf-blind theatre company
By Lisa Goldman
IS IT POSSIBLE for deaf and blind actors to convey an understanding of their world to those who can see and hear? The world’s first professional deaf-blind theatre ensemble answers this question with a rousing yes. Their productions are based on the troupe’s own experiences and the actors, who perform at a theatre in Jaffa (just south of Tel Aviv) offer a insight into the thoughts, struggles and emotions of the sensorially deprived.
Narrated in Hebrew, Nalaga’at (“do touch”) stages its plays with a sign language interpreter, supplemented by surtitles – theatrical subtitles – in English and Arabic. This unforgettable theatrical experience succeeds in touching the audience at a visceral level, earning rave reviews for sold-out performances and tours to New York.
What’s more, the sensory experience extends beyond the stage. Located in an elegantly restored warehouse at Jaffa’s old port, the Nalaga’at complex houses a restaurant – Blackout – that offers gourmet meals served in pitch blackness by blind waiters. At Café Kapish, cappuccinos and cake are served by friendly deaf waiters who communicate with simple sign language. First-timers might come out of curiosity, but they return for the great atmosphere and delicious coffee.
Retsif Haaliya Hashniya, Jaffa Port, Tel Aviv, +972 (0)3 633 08 08, www.nalagaat.org.il
