2024 April:
festival dates -24/25/26.24

The 2024 Artistic Directors’ Address:

Chava Alberstein wrote and sang: “You can get it without a doctor’s prescription; you just have to come and ask. A kiss every hour, and a hug every two”. So simple and so effective is the power of love to heal the soul…

Speakless

Israel  |  ORto-Da

When visual mime meets imagination – magic becomes reality.

A poetic human comedy about the stations in human life, in the struggle against destiny and the forces of nature.

What happens, when the earth shakes below us ? Maybe our life is like an egg, from which one can hatch and be reborn like a bird? Or maybe, in the demanding machine of human existence, what will be left of man in the end are just spare parts: head, hands, body, legs… 

All of these questions will be answered in the show Speakless without saying a single word.

Daniel Zafrani has won many prestigious international awards as one of the most virtuoso modern pantomime artists.

Ages: All family
Direction, writing and performance: Daniel Zafrani
Artistic consultation: Yinon Zafrir
Lighting Design: Uri Morag

24/04 | 12:40 | stage 14
24/04 | 15:05 | stage 14
25/04 | 12:40 | stage 14
25/04 | 15:05 | stage 14
26/04 | 12:05 | stage 14
Website: www.orto-da.com

ספיקלס | Speakless

THE BED

Argentina | Adrian Schvarzstein

On a luxurious bed, with scented linens, and a gramophone playing pleasant music, a versatile, curious and surprising gentleman breaks through the boundaries of his home into life itself. He is weird and funny, strange, flirtatious and enthusiastic. He understands very well that your home is where the heart is.

Ages: All family
Duration: 35 minutes
Picture Credit: Adrian Schvarzstein.

credits:
idea and direction :
Miri Yeffet
Performance:
Adrian Schvarzstein

24/04 | 11:55-12:30 | stage 6
24/04 | 14:20-14:55 | stage 6
24/04 | 16:45-17:20 | stage 6

25/04 | 11:55-12:30 | stage 6
25/04 | 14:20-14:55 | stage 6
25/04 | 16:45-17:20 | stage 6

26/04 | 10:35-11:10 | stage 6
Website:  adrianschvarzstein.com/shows/the-bed/

המיטה. תיאטרון חיפה 2024
Picture Credit: Adrian Schvarzstein.

Flying Lovers

Italy | MattatoioSospeso

True love can break all laws, including the laws of physics! Marco and Alessandra float in the air with love, only in their case it’s not just an expression, it’s reality! With wild somersaults on walls, acrobatics, and a tango suspended in the air, they celebrate the best love in town, conquer gravity, and with their breathtaking acrobatics you too will skip a heartbeat!

Ages: 4 and up
Duration: 30 minutes
Picture Credit: Coperina collinarea.

credits:

Creation: Marco Mannucci
Direction: Marco Mannucci
Actors: Marco Mannucci and Alesandra Lanciotti

24/04 | 13:45-14:15 | stage 6
24/04 | 16:10-16:40 | stage 6 
25/04 | 13:45-14:15 | stage 6
25/04 | 16:10-16:40 | stage 6
26/04 | 13:15-13:45 | stage 6
Website:  mattatoio.org/en/les-amants-du-ciel

כוח המשיכה - Gravity.תיאטרון חיפה 2024
Picture Credit: Coperina collinarea.

The Giant

Australia / Germany | Adam Read

 Inspired by Oscar Wilde’s classic story, “The Selfish Giant”, a giant frightens the children playing in his garden and chases them away, which causes all the trees and plants to freeze into winter hibernation, until one child’s laugh wakens the entire garden as well as the giant’s frozen heart. A physical-visual show by Adam Reed, who in the unique style of the Cirque de Soleil, creates a rich and magical, world.

Ages: All family
Duration: 20 minutes
Picture Credit: Lindeboom Wessel/Hissink Ronald.

creation / performance: Adam Read​
costumes / set: Olga Dumova
sound design​: Snorre Sjønøst Henriksen
Stilts production​: Piet Koenekoop

24/04 | 14:05-14:25 | stage 12
24/04 | 16:30-16:50 | stage 12
24/04 | 17:40-18:00 | stage 12
25/04 | 14:05-14:25 | stage 12
25/04 | 16:30-16:50 | stage 12
25/04 | 17:40-18:00 | stage 12
26/04 | 12:55-13:15 | stage 12

Website:  33clowns.wixsite.com/nephilim

"הענק וגנו" - The Giant, Nephilim. תיאטרון חיפה 2024
Picture Credit: Lindeboom Wessel/Hissink Ronald.

Knockout

Israel | ORto-Da

A large innocent kangaroo with an action-loving, cheeky friend are playing in a boxing ring! Adrenaline, tension, an explosion of energy, a crazy bell.

Who will be the champion? After all, no one knows the rules – and the fight turns into a crazy and laughing-out-aloud event! A boxing match full of inventions, mistakes and surprises, where you don’t use force, but rather your heart and winning is not important, the most important thing is to get close.

Ages: All family
Duration: 25 minutes
Picture Credit: Daniel Zafrani 
Created and directed by: Daniel Zafrani 
Performance: Daniel Zafrani, Yinon Tzafrir
Dramaturgy: Yifat Zandani Tzafrir
Sound and costumes design: Daniel Zafrani

24/04 | 12:05-12:30 | stage 13
24/04 | 14:30-14:55 | stage 13
25/04 | 12:05-12:30 | stage 13
25/04 | 14:30-14:55 | stage 13
26/04 | 10:55-11:20 | stage 13
Website:  www.orto-da.com

נוקאאוט - Knockout.תיאטרון חיפה 2024
Picture Credit: Daniel Zafrani.

PIPA PUPPET SHOW

Spain | La Puntual – Néstor Navarro

 Pippa is a curious, playful and funny doll, who simply refuses to be bored, even for a minute. In a crazy surrealistic comedy, full of surprises, Pippa tangles with Mr. Topol and his selfie stick, falls in love with Nina and her ice cream, and manages to drive a hungry, bubble-blowing crocodile crazy.  As Pippa moves from crazy situation to crazy situation, our bellies are filled with laughter, and our hearts are filled with love.

Ages: 3 and up
Duration: 30 minutes
Picture Credit: Yoana Miguel
Puppeteer: Néstor Navarro
Directed by: Eugenio Navarro
Produced by: La Puntual
Costumes: Therese Ramet
Puppets: Néstor Navarro and Eugenia Susel
Sound: Octavi Rumbau
Puppet booth: Edu Blanch

24/04 | 11:10-11:25 | stage 16
24/04 | 15:25-15:40 | stage 16
24/04 | 16:50-17:05 | stage 16
24/04 | 17:20-17:35 | stage 16

25/04 | 11:10-11:25 | stage 16
25/04 | 15:25-15:40 | stage 16
25/04 | 16:50-17:05 | stage 16

25/04 | 17:20-17:35 | stage 16
26/04 | 11:45-12:00 | stage 16
26/04 | 13:45-14:00 | stage 16

Website:  lapuntual.info

PIPA PUPPET SHOW - "פיפה ללא הפסקה" תיאטרון חיפה 2024
Picture Credit: Yoana Miguel.

THE ORGOS

Spain | EL SINDICATO DE MONSTRUOS

If you’re afraid of monsters, that’s because you’ve never met Peltz and Felicia. 
Two huge, soft, furry, super-friendly monsters.  They spread joy wherever they go, and with their playful tricks they fill our world with monster-magic.

Ages: 5-12
Duration: 30 minutes
Picture Credit: FERNANDO BENITEZ
Produced by: ROQUEL ROJAS, FERNANDO BENITEZ

24/04 | 11:15-11:55 | stage 5 
24/04 | 14:15-14:55 | stage 5
24/04 | 18:00-18:30 | stage 5

25/04 | 11:15-11:55 | stage 5
25/04 | 14:15-14:55 | stage 5
25/04 | 18:00-18:30 | stage 5

26/04 | 10:20-11:00 | stage 5
26/04 | 11:40-12:20 | stage 5

Website:  elsindicatodemonstruos.com

THE ORGOS - מפלצות בע"מ. תיאטרון חיפה 2024
Picture Credit: FERNANDO BENITEZ .

Los Extintos

Spain / Uruguay | EL SINDICATO DE MONSTRUOS

The dodo is a miraculous bird that disappeared from the world, and here, two of them are coming here for a rare visit, just to remind us to protect our planet for all. They are spectacular, unusual and very curious! After all, they’ve been missing from here for several centuries!  strange birds, a bit fancy,  great dancers, sometimes gets a bit dizzy, full of giving and asking only for protection…

Ages: 5-12
Duration: 30 minutes
Picture Credit: FERNANDO BENITEZ
Original idea: Fer Benitez
History: Fer Benitez
Artistic director: Miquel Setó
Design: Fer Benitez, Miquel Seto, Oriol Caminal
Construction: Miquel Setó, Xevi Planas,
Clothing: María Monzón, Oriol Caminal.

24/04 | 13:15-13:45 | stage 5
24/04 | 16:00-16:30 | stage 5
24/04 | 17:10-17:40 | stage 5 
25/04 | 13:15-13:45 | stage 5
25/04 | 16:00-16:30 | stage 5
25/04 | 17:10-17:40 | stage 5

26/04 | 13:00-13:30 | stage 5
Website:  elsindicatodemonstruos.com

Los Extintos - הדודו'ז. תיאטרון חיפה 2024
Picture Credit: FERNANDO BENITEZ .

Grannies

Austria | Theater Irrwisch

 Welcome the most disturbed geriatric gang in town. There is going to be a lot of trouble and rare humor here! Full of wit, these grannies are dishonest. They break all the rules, and deliver insecurity with great virtuosity and versatility. theater Irrwisch proves to us, once again that in art, it is better that there are no limits!

Ages: 6 and up
Picture Credit: Theater Irrwisch
Direction idea and performance: Theatre Irrwisch.
A la Strada co-production and IN SITU.
Irrwisch & Pascal Larderet from Cie Cacahuete

24/04 | 12:00-12:30 | stage 5
24/04 | 13:45-14:15 | stage 5
24/04 | 15:35-16:05 | stage 5
25/04 | 12:00-12:30 | stage 5
25/04 | 13:45-14:15 | stage 5

25/04 | 15:35-16:05 | stage 5
26/04 | 12:30-13:00 | stage 5
Website:  /irrwisch.at/en

הסבתות. תיאטרון חיפה 2024
Picture Credit: Theater Irrwisch.

The sweaters

Isreal | DAVAI

What happens when three wandering adrenaline junkies find a lost friend on stage which enables them to complete their Olympic clown team?? An hilarious sports show that makes the audience laugh – higher, farther, stronger! Vadim the Extreme, Weird Omar, Bouncing Cassian and Zack the Back – bursting with energy, juggling, craziness and improvisations and lots and lots of sweat.

Ages: 4 and up
Duration: 30 minutes

Picture Credit: Arik Shraga
Actress: Fyodor Makarov, Losha Gavrielov, Vitaly Azarin, Kasyan Ryvkin
Music: Sergey Burkov
Costume design: Varvara Kuznetsova-Gvozdik 
Chronography: Boria Anastasia 

24/04 | 11:25-11:55 | stage 8 
24/04 | 13:10-13:40 | stage 8 
24/04 | 15:35-16:05 | stage 8
25/04 | 11:25-11:55 | stage 8
25/04 | 13:10-13:40 | stage 8

25/04 | 15:35-16:05 | stage 8
26/04 | 11:15-11:45 | stage 8
Website:  davai-group.org

המזיענים - The sweaters.תיאטרון חיפה 2024
Picture Credit: Arik Shraga.

Below Zero

Isreal | Naaman Shelzer

A destitute beggar drags a refrigerator he found on the street leading to a crazy comedy of errors! One mistake leads to another, and the confusion leads to such a mess that it is uncertain who is dragging who, and how the hell can one crazy refrigerator create such chaos?? A surreal show that does not have a dull moment with 500 liters of mesmerizing acrobatics and hilarity.

Ages: 3 and up
Duration: 30 minutes

Picture Credit: Jasmine Weiss
Creation and Performing Artist: Naaman Shelzer
Music: Yonatan Bar-On
Puppet Design: Daniela Shelzer

24/04 | 11:30-12:00 | stage 15
24/04 | 13:30-14:00 | stage 15 
24/04 | 15:55-16:25 | stage 15

25/04 | 11:30-12:00 | stage 15
25/04 | 13:30-14:00 | stage 15
25/04 | 15:55-16:25 | stage 15

26/04 | 13:15-13:45 | stage 15
26/04 | 10:20-10:50 | stage 15

Website:  naamanshelzer

מתחת לאפס - Below Zero.תיאטרון חיפה 2024
Picture Credit: Jasmine Weiss.

The Bistro

Isreal | Odelia Liberman

A lonely menu stands outside the entrance of a small restaurant. Everyone stops by it, looks at it, touches it – but does not see it. He also wants to chat over a cup of coffee. He’s got funny lines too! He can also be a really sweet friend – because who can recommend desserts and cakes like he can?

Ages: All family
Duration: 25 minutes

Credits: Eran olek
Creation and Performing Artist: Odelia
liberman

24/04 | 11:05-11:30 | stage 20 
24/04 | 13:35-14:00 | stage 20
24/04 | 16:05-16:30 | stage 20
24/04 | 17:10-17:35| stage 20 
25/04 | 11:05-11:30 | stage 20
25/04 | 13:35-14:00 | stage 20

25/04 | 16:05-16:30 | stage 20
25/04 | 17:10-17:35 | stage 20

26/04 | 10:15-10:40 | stage 20
26/04 | 13:20-13:45 | stage 20

Website:  odelialiberman

הביסטרו - The Bistro.תיאטרון חיפה 2024
Picture Credit: Eran olek.

Moustache the Cat

Isreal | The Train Theater & Between Heaven and Earth

Mustache is a cat that lives in a circle, and has the most special mustache in the world! He has two friends; one is worried and the other is jealous – and together they go on an exciting adventure with Mustache! And his mustache – constantly changing shape! Turns into a monkey’s banana, a mouse’s tail, an elephant will also be there, and even an owl that passed by! A multi-disciplinary show that combines plastic art and dance theater, where we will discover how a bond is forged and friendship surpasses any mustache!

Ages: 3-7
Duration: 30 minutes

Picture Credit: Kfir‎‏ Bolotin
Idea, Script, Design , Stage Design and Performance: Galia Levy Grad
Direction, Choreography and Stage Design: Tammy Izhaki
Performance and in Collaboration: Shay Percil
Music: Avi Benjamin
Artistic Consulting: Naomi Yoeli, Marit Benisrae

24/04 | 12:00-12:40 | stage 10 
24/04 | 13:20-14:00 | stage 10 
24/04 | 16:00-16:40 | stage 10
25/04 | 12:00-12:40 | stage 10
25/04 | 13:20-14:00 | stage 10

25/04 | 16:00-16:40 | stage 10
26/04 | 12:00-12:40 | stage 10
Website:  traintheater.co.il

מוסטאש החתול - Moustache the Cat.תיאטרון חיפה 2024
Picture Credit: Kfir‎‏ Bolotin.

Neighbors

Isreal | The clown way theater

She and he live really close, they’re neighbors. He hears her when she dances to music and cleans, she hears him when he’s frying an egg. They even hear each other’s snoring in bed. So many annoying habits, why do neighbors have to be so close?? But when they meet in the shelter, habits turn into laughter, anger is replaced by comfort, and closeness which caresses the heart with love. A show without words that turns an enemy into a lover.

Ages: All family
Duration: 30 minutes

Picture Credit: Neighbors pro
By: Shimrit Lugasi
Directed by: Shimrit Lugasi and Shlomi Golan
Space and costume design: Shimrit Lugsi
Music: Shlomi Golan
Actors: Shimrit Lugsi and Shlomi Golan
Thanks: Avital Dvori

24/04 | 12:00-12:30 | stage 9 
24/04 | 14:15-14:45 | stage 9 
24/04 | 17:20-17:50 | stage 9
25/04 | 12:00-12:30 | stage 9
25/04 | 14:15-14:45 | stage 9

25/04 | 17:20-17:50 | stage 9
26/04 | 12:40-13:10 | stage 9
Website:  medicalclowning

שכנים - Neighbors.תיאטרון חיפה 2024
Picture Credit: ‏ Neighbors pro.

Life Without End

Isreal | Rinat galiko

Three very old friends meet in the garden on the same familiar bench day after day, watching life pass them by, as spectators. A news item that they hear on the radio startles them out of their seats and sends them flying into an adventure of courage, resourcefulness, love and a new passion for life! Did it really happen?? Or was it just a flash of light..? Can you thfulness really end, or does it just wait for one small sign to return?

Ages: All family
Duration: 20 minutes

Picture Credit: Rinat galiko
Creation and idea: Rinat Gliko
Actresses: Ortal Zabar, Hagar Weizman Mosholam
Music: Roy Unger
Help in developing an idea: Lior Galiciano

24/04 | 13:00-13:20 | stage 19
24/04 | 15:35-15:55 | stage 19 
24/04 | 16:50 -17:10 | stage 6 
25/04 | 13:00-13:20 | stage 19
25/04 | 15:35-15:55  | stage 19
25/04 | 16:50 -17:10 | stage 19
26/04 | 11:25-11:45 | stage 19
26/04 | 12:35-12:55 | stage 19
Website:  maskshow.co.il

אינסוף חיים - life without end.תיאטרון חיפה 2024
Picture Credit: ‏ Rinat galiko.

The Frozen Time legend

Isreal | Mihael Productions

Can you fly in the air? To touch your fear and reach the summit of courage? To be alone but part of something big? A virtuoso performance in which the artist Michael Finkel is a hero who can overcome fear and creates mesmerizing aerial acrobatics, a reality in which he breaks all the rules and for a few breathtaking moments – it seems that he manages to freeze time.

Ages: 6 and up
Duration: 30 minutes

Picture Credit: Nagasta Bagamba

24/04 | 12:35-13:00 | stage 14
24/04 | 15:00-15:25 | stage 14 
24/04 | 18:05-18:30 | stage 14 
25/04 | 12:35-13:00 | stage 14
25/04 | 15:00-15:25 | stage 14
25/04 | 18:05-18:30 | stage 14
26/04 | 12:05-12:30 | stage 14
Website:  mihael

אגדת הזמן הקפוא - The Frozen Time legend. תיאטרון חיפה 2024
Picture Credit: ‏ Nagasta Bagamba.

Big Mama’s

Isreal | Mystorin Theater Group

Three enormous women are cleanliness freaks, and always tidy up after themselves, meticulously attending to the little details, their endless chores and with logic of their own, they turn the street into a revolution, turning order into embarrassment and creating chaos without intending to.

Ages: 10 and up
Duration: 40 minutes

Picture Credit: Mystorin Theater Group


24/04 | 13:00-13:30 | stage 17
24/04 | 15:25-15:55 | stage 17
24/04 | 16:55-17:25 | stage 17 
25/04 | 13:00-13:30 | stage 17
25/04 | 15:25-15:55 | stage 17
25/04 | 16:55-17:25 | stage 17
26/04 | 11:20-11:50 | stage 17
26/04 | 12:30-13:00 | stage 17
Website:  mystorin.com

רחוב האחיות שלוש . תיאטרון חיפה 2024
Picture Credit: ‏ Mystorin Theater Group.

Mind the Gap

Isreal | Mystorin Theater

From a world of fantasy, where what we see is never really what it is, and inspired by “Alice” by Lewis Carroll, three rabbits rush and lag behind in our world of reality and try to understand the rules

Ages: 10 and up
Duration: 30 minutes

Picture Credit: Mystorin Theater Group

24/04 | 11:15-11:55 | stage 5
24/04 | 12:30-13:10 | stage 5 
24/04 | 14:55-15:35 | stage 5 
24/04 | 16:30-17:10 | stage 5 
25/04 | 11:15-11:55 | stage 5
25/04 | 12:30-13:10 | stage 5
25/04 | 14:55-15:35 | stage 5
25/04 | 16:30-17:10 | stage 5
26/04 | 11:15-11:45 | stage 5
26/04 | 12:20-12:55 | stage 5

Website:  mystorin.com

הארנבים מארץ הפלאות - Mind the Gap.תיאטרון חיפה 2024
Picture Credit: ‏ Mystorin Theater Group.

Parasomnia

Australia | Adam Read

A fantastic man from a faraway kingdom, maybe asleep or maybe awake, finds himself here, in the middle of an adventure! Whether it’s reality or a dream, he creates situations that are so surprising that you could fall in love with sleepwalking! Adam Reed, an artist from the Cirque de Soleil, moves on crutches with the virtuosity of a dancer and creates a magical encounter with the audience

Ages: All family
Duration: 30 minutes
Creation and Preformanc: Adam Read
Costume By: Olga Dumova

24/04 | 11:10-11:40 | stage 5
24/04 | 12:45-13:15 | stage 5 
24/04 | 15:15-15:45 | stage 5 
25/04 | 11:10-11:40 | stage 5
25/04 | 12:45-13:15 | stage 5
25/04 | 15:15-15:45 | stage 5
26/04 | 10:15-10:50 | stage 5
26/04 | 11:35-12:10 | stage 5

Website:  parasomnia

סהרורי - Parasomnia.תיאטרון חיפה 2024

Open-Air Street Theater – 2024 Haifa Theater Festival 

Chava Alberstein wrote and sang: “You can get it without a doctor’s prescription; you just have to come and ask. A kiss every hour, and a hug every two”. So simple and so effective is the power of love to heal the soul. In days like these, days of pain, we wish to send a smile, to offer you laughter, awaken the hope in your heart, faith in humanity and goodness, and to reaffirm the firm belief that peace begins from the place where love is born. We seek to surprise you with spontaneity, color, freedom, and optimism, and to offer you a warm place on the bright side of humanity. 
The open-air theater complex celebrates this, its 34th year of children’s theater festivals. This year the festival focuses on the wonder of human connection, reminding us that people cannot always be heroes, but they can always be human.  
In the open air, you will see artists from all over the world, surprising and thrilling you, face to face, eyeball to eyeball, performing their magical and breathtaking shows.

18 Unique, original projects, will fill the theater plaza and Binyamin Gardens with beauty, cheekiness and inspiration from Australia, Italy, Germany, Spain, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Austria, and of course – from Israel, with high-quality and extraordinary theater, with a variety of works, expressing a deep love of humanity expressed in a variety of theatrical styles.

It is a great privilege to promote and to strengthen the art of street theater in Israel. The ORTO-Da theater group, whose roots are deeply embedded in the tradition of street theatre, is proud to present you with an exciting artistic program, for the tenth year in a row. We thank the many good people who play a part in this privilege.

Special thanks to Nitsa Ben Zvi, the festival’s CEO, who enthusiastically shares with us the vision of turning the Haifa Festival into an international event.

A big thank you to Roy Segev, the artistic director of the festival, for his cooperation and his complete trust and to Moshe Naor, the artistic director of the Haifa Theater for his wonderful cooperation.

A huge thank you to the amazing team from the ORTO-Da Theater, to the unique Shani Luzon – the production coordinator and assistant to the artistic directors, who divided her time between the production and military reserve duty, to Mikol Pietra for her dedication despite the difficult days and to Yif’at Zandani-Zafrir and Helena Pasternak for their commitment and their work, full of soul and spirit.
Thanks to the Haifa Theater team, the Haifa Municipality, the Cultural Attaché Italy for their support of the festival, with the firm belief that peace begins from the place where love is born, and a huge thank you to the wonderful artists and the dedicated audience who together celebrate creativity and the human spirit!

Best regards,

Yinon Tzafrir, Avi Gibson Bar-El
ORTO-Da Theater Group – Artistic Management of the Open Air, Street Theater Festival.

Haifa Festival 2024 schedule of plays and street theater