Two Israeli theatre directors from Europe share a self-reflective and pointed account of the project of a lifetime: creating a production about their own identities. Torn between morality, politics, history and reality, they grapple with the question: What is essential for portraying Israeli identity—and how can it be brought to the stage? Most importantly: can they still stand by it?

Then, in October 2023, the current war broke out, turning their already neurotic, increasingly authoritarian, yet somehow still beloved homeland into an acute crisis – more painful and blood-soaked than ever before.

Through a humorous, self-reflective, and ironic lens, the production invites audiences to navigate between the complex contradictions of the Middle East conflict – offering no easy answers, but asking urgent questions. And as the political reality in the region refuses to stand still, the production evolves alongside it, providing a vivid, ever-current commentary on burning political events and their portrayal on stage.

The Director’s Guide for Theater During Wartime premiered in Austria in March 2024 and has since played to sold-out houses across Europe, captivating audiences with its timely and thought-provoking narrative.

English with German Surtitles