Show One Productions presents the only Canadian appearance of Israel’s Gesher Theatre this year and the first-ever North American staging of Roee Chen’s acclaimed modern adaptation of S. Ansky’s The Dybbuk, or Between Two Worlds. Comedy and tragedy, mysticism and psychology combine in a mesmerizing journey through Jewish folklore and the spiritual world. The cast of 25 stars Israel Demidov and Efrat Ben Zur (“the first lady of the Israeli theatre” – Calcalist) as young lovers in a story of love beyond death.

Written in Russian in Moscow, 1913-16, and subsequently performed in Yiddish, Hebrew and other languages around the world, The Dybbuk tells the story of Hanan, a poor, young yeshiva student, deeply involved in the Kabbalah and in love with Lea, daughter of one of the town’s richest men. Learning that Lea is about to be married, Hanan dies of a broken heart. However, he finds himself caught between two worlds, neither dead nor alive. His restless soul returns to Lea on her wedding day, possessing her as a dybbuk – a malicious spirit – and halts the wedding. During the ceremony of exorcising the dybbuk, the dark secret of Lea’s father comes to light.

Performed in Hebrew with English and Russian Surtitles

Tickets: $45-125

The company’s visit celebrates the 70th anniversary of the State of Israel. It also marks the Toronto return of the troupe of Russian émigré and Israeli actors for its fourth Toronto visit, after a 10-year absence. Following the Toronto engagement, the company will tour the production to New York City.