NOVEMBER
a musical drama on the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin
Book and lyrics by Myra Noveck & Danny Paller
Music by Danny Paller
“Fascinating” “Riveting” “Intelligent and moving” “Wonderfully expressive music” “Brave” “Timely”
NOVEMBER is a collision course between its two main characters – warrior-turned-peacemaker Yitzhak Rabin and his assassin, 25-year-old law student Yigal Amir. It delves into the psyche of a deeply divided country, and explores issues very much at play in our contemporary world – polarized political discourse, demonization of the Other, the role of incitement, the battle between hope and fear.
The first reading of NOVEMBER was held in Jerusalem in November 2016. It runs two hours, is mostly music, and has a six-person cast – three men, three women. Act I takes place during August-October 1995, and Act II on November 4, 1995, the day of the assassination. The play is based on true events.
Hey, Sweetie – 3 min 30 sec
Riding a public bus to the rally in Tel Aviv’s Kings Square, where he plans to assassinate Rabin, Yigal Amir overhears the conversation of three rallygoers and – in his mind – reacts to them.
The reading of NOVEMBER was directed by Yaeli Greenblatt and starred Evan Kent, David Djemal, Sandy Cash, Rebecca Sykes, Josh Moss, and Shayna Tischler.
Painting on poster was made by Yossi Pnini.
AUDIO EXCERPTS
Slice – 59 sec
Rabin’s granddaughter Noa visits the house of fellow soldier Tal. As Tal’s mother Shira puts up a soup in the kitchen, she reacts to the latest news –
a terrorist bombing of an Israeli bus – with a rant about the folly of ceding land to the Palestinians.
Flying Close to Heaven – 57 sec
In an act of ideological flirtation Yigal Amir tries to convince fellow law student Shalhevet to join an anti-government protest blocking traffic on the highway.
Grandpa Was a Soldier – 69 sec
Rabin’s wife Leah and her granddaughter Noa watch an anti-government rally on television, at which demonstrators hold posters depicting Rabin as
a Nazi and light memorial candles in Rabin’s memory. The ugly atmosphere terrifies Noa, but Leah clings to a belief that even her husband's political opponents remember his contribution to Israel's security.
Pure Heart – 58 sec
Yigal announces to his brother Hagai that tonight he will assassinate Rabin, using the bullets specially modified by Hagai. Hagai knows that his brother will most likely be killed in the act.
Should I? – 60 sec
In anticipation of the rally Rabin's bodyguard tries to convince the prime minister to wear a bulletproof vest. Rabin says he will not wear one among his own people. On separate parts of the stage, Rabin and Yigal process – each in his own way – the possibility of death.