NOVEMBER
a cabaret on the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin
Concept and script by Myra Noveck & Danny Paller
Music and lyrics 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.
An initial English reading of NOVEMBER was held in Jerusalem in November 2016. All excerpts on this page are from that original reading.
The work was then reconceived by Israeli director Erez Hasson as a cabaret and translated into Hebrew by Shahaf Ifhar. It premiered with a cast of four women (with each actress playing all the different characters) at Tzavta Theater in Tel Aviv, Beit Mazia Theater in Jerusalem, and HaDofen Theater in Petach Tikva during July 2022.
November Trailer (English) – 3 min 25 sec
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
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.
Sterile Zone – 68 sec
A cocky Shin Bet (Secret Service) operative, placed in charge of the parking lot area below the rally, reviews the list of prime suspects as Yigal Amir walks right by.
Short & Yemenite – 32 sec
Yigal's law school friends wonder if Yigal's boastful remarks about killing the prime minister are more than his usual braggadocio. They decide to report him to the police, but hide his true identity.
Pure Heart – 37 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.