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ABSTRACTS

Wonders and Miracles in the Actor's Work

Discussed by Oded Teomi

Written and edited by the playwright Motti Lerner

Oded Teomi (1937-2019) was one of Israel's leading actors. He
performed more than a hundred leading roles in various Israeli theaters –
mostly in the Cameri Theater of Tel Aviv. In his final years, he suffered
from bladder cancer and was hospitalized in a rehabilitation center for
more than two years. During that time, his friend and colleague,
playwright Motti Lerner, visited him regularly and the two discussed
Teomi's long career. This, in order to come up with some kind of a
written document that would encompass Teomi's legacy. The document
was ready in January 2019, but sadly, Oded Teomi passed away in March
2019, before seeing it published.

Teomi discusses his work in 3 theater productions: Becket; or the Honor
of God by Jean Anouilh at Habima National Theater, where he played
King Henry II, Creditors by August Strindberg in Zavit Theater, where
he played Adolph, and Kastner by Motti Lerner, at the Cameri Theater
of Tel Aviv, where he played the title role. Teomi exposes his fascinating
acting method, based on finding the most intimate, emotional moments
that he himself shares with his character. These findings almost always
seem miraculous, but these miracles happen only because Teomi allows
them to happen.

In the final part of his article, Teomi discusses the social and political
challenges which face an actor in Israel. He regrets the fact that he didn't
choose – though he was probably able to – more roles in original Israeli
plays that deal with the country's socio-political situation. He regrets the
fact that he never worked with Hanoch Levin – Israel's leading
playwright – although both worked at the same time at the Cameri
Theater of Tel Aviv for many years. He nevertheless hopes that the
tremendous effort he invested in deciphering human nature through his
work on dramatic characters contributed significantly to the development
of public consciousness and awareness in Israel.

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