Israeli review
The Child is Incredible
Hanoch Ron | Yediot Aharonot | Jan. 20, 2010
The Opera “The Child Dreams” by Gil Shohat, based on the play of Hanoch Levin. The Israeli Opera. Director: Omri Nizan. Conductor: David Stern.
“Oy, Children, you were born to break our hearts,” says Hanoch Levin in his wonderful play “The Child Dreams.” Now comes the composer Gil Shohat and turns everything into a gorgeous operatic requiem. These are not just the children who die on stage, the children in us, are the ones who die. Wrapped in a shroud of poetry. The child dreams? More than just that. The “Child” is incredible.
In the space between despair and compassion – there you will find Hanoch Levin, and in the gap between the drama and poetry – you will find Gil Shohat. Shohat combines in this masterpiece the erotic power of Richard Strauss and the electrifying horror of Shostakovich. This is an opera that come from emotion, appealing to the sensual sound, and goes from there to the beauty of song – Simply fascinating.
The Rishon Le-Zion Orchestra played beautifully. Shining especially were the brass players. The conductor David Stern, lead them confidently.