Students Take the Stage

From the moment they wake up in the morning and often into the late hours of the night, they usually immerse themselves in studies and research. But once a week for three hours, 14 research students tear themselves away from science to meet in the student clubroom, where they turn their attention to something quite different – the world of acting. Here, they get the opportunity to polish their stage skills – they practice improvisation, act in front of a camera, sing on stage and develop character roles. This year, the student theater group, which is in its third reincarnation, also staged a play: One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest, the 1963 stage adaptation of the Ken Kesey novel. Irit Natan-Benedek, a stage director and drama teacher, directed the production.

Students took responsibility for every aspect of the production from start to finish: “We designed and painted the sets and backdrops, sewed the costumes, advertised the performances and even sold the tickets,” says Adi Natan. “The atmosphere here at the Institute was very supportive. The Clore Garden of Science mechanics workshop helped us to construct the sets, and the ‘Dyonon’ office supply store on campus donated the printing of the tickets.” Yoni Toker: “It’s a thrill to be on stage, and an even bigger thrill to get positive feedback from the audience.” Liran Goren: “Thanks to Irit’s excellent casting, each one of us was able to play himself or herself to some extent.”

 

Corinne Hasdai, Lydia Moskowitch and Ana Weksler, who work in the Physics Faculty office, gave the play rave reviews. “It was stirring to see the serious, reserved students we meet every day perform such vibrant, emotional roles.”