Archive | 2010 | February

An Israeli version of hit TV show The Office is in the works and will feature both Arab and Ethiopian  characters, according to reports in the British media.

The show, created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, will be named Super Office and will be set in  central Israel, near Tel Aviv. Actor Avi Meshulam will be stepping into the shoes of character David  Brent, originally portrayed by Gervais.

The Office has been remade in France, Russia and the United States, where it has turned into a hit, starring Steve Carell.

According to reports, in the Israeli version Gareth becomes Yariv, and Tim and Dawn become Yossi and Dana.

The show also includes a character named Abed, described as “an intellectual Arab with a gentle soul,” and Abba, who is Ethiopian.

“I am thrilled and amazed that Israel is making The Office with local writers, directors and actors,” Gervais was quoted as saying. “I mean, who ever heard of Jewish entertainers?”

Source: Haaretz.com

Annual flamenco festival includes workshop, kids’ show and performance by dancers Pastora Galvan, Joaquin Grilo

Merav Yudilovitch

The Flamenco Days festival will be opening on March 18 at the Suzanne Dellal Center in Tel Aviv. The opening act will include Spanish dancers Pastora Galvan and Joaquin Grilo, accompanied by pianist and composer David Pena, who is considered one of the leading musicians in his field.

Combining traditional flamenco with jazz, Pena will be joined by a band including a contrabass, percussion instruments and castanets.

This year’s Flamenco Days festival marks its 16th year running, and as in past years will combine performances and events for the whole family, including “Alma’s Golden Shoes”, a show that combines dance and flamenco for children aged four to eight.

Musician Sasson Levi, together with a flamenco dancer, will give a workshop on flamenco basics for children and youths. In addition, the film “Por El Flamenco” by director Shem Shemy will be screened during the festival.

The “Israeli Flamenco Morning” events will allow for a sneak peak into the works of young groups and   dancers from around the country. The festival will conclude in a gala event with the participation of singer Dafna Dekel.

The Flamenco Days festival was founded 16 years ago in memory of dancer Adi Agmon, who died of  cancer. The Adi Foundation works to promote and advance flamenco culture in Israel by bringing  leading musicians, dancers, and artists from the field to perform and give workshops in Israel.

Every other year the festival also includes a national flamenco competition. The winner receives a scholarship to the Cristina Heeren Flamenco Foundation in Spain. Past winners include Yasmin Levy and Shuki Shweiki.

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