Everything is funnier in translation, and the Hahafuch English-speaking comedy troupe translates the idiosyncratic details and esoteric experiences of life in Israel into comedy, with their variety show 50 Shades of Blue & White, directed by Gary Rudoren premiering at Beit Avi Chai on Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at 20:30.
Exploring the laughter potential in everyday life, Hahafuch are: Josh Kaplan, Debby Kaye, Eran Kraus, Molly Livingstone, and Dudy Starck.
Hahafuch takes its name from the ubiquitous Israeli version of cafe latte, the word in Hebrew means both upside down and opposite; a fairly accurate description of Israeli life in general. Founding member Molly Livingstone told Midnight East that what started out in 2009 as “just a bunch of us being creative once a week at night” soon evolved into the realization that “there is a niche audience no one’s talking to.”
“We make fun of everything,” said Molly, “from the perspective of someone who lives in Israel.”
Originally from Los Angeles, Molly reports, “I did Birthright, I got sucked in, what can I say? I fell in love with the country.”
Israel is a great country for comedy writers, the supply of material is endless. For Molly, ideas are everywhere: “standing in line at the grocery store and someone cuts in line, going to the bank and finding it closed, the latest strike…” Some ideas come from audience members who come up to the actors after a show, sharing their own funny and frustrating experiences. While giving a voice to the experiences of new immigrants and tourists, Hahafuch creates humor anyone can relate to, as in their popular sketch: Bibi Netanyahu translated by a subpar Ulpan student.
All the Hahafuch members write the sketches and perform, Molly does the film and editing for their videos.
Their new show 50 Shades of Blue and White, represents a landmark for the comedy troupe, this will be the first time they have worked with an outside director. An ensemble member of the Annoyance Theater, and writer/director of the one person show So, I Killed a Few People, Rudoren is currently residing in Israel, much to the delight of Hahafuch.
“This kind of thing never happens,” said Molly of the group’s work with Rudoren, “it’s really exciting.”
Hahafuch will perform 50 Shades of Blue and White at Beit Avi Chai, 44 King George Street, Jerusalem on January 23 & 30, 2013 at 20:30. Tickets are 50 NIS/30 NIS (students and soldiers) and may be purchased online, or call: 02-6215900.
Links:
Hahafuch website, facebook page, event page
Beit Avi Chai website, facebook page
