As part of the 2009 Tel Aviv Dance Festival, Barak Marshall premiered his new production, "Rooster", at the Tel Aviv Opera House.  This dance-theater work incorporated movement with story-telling, opera and theater, and the drama of the opera house enhanced just that.  Marshall's work is truly magical, refreshingly different and passionate; I encourage everyone to see this show the moment it is back in theaters.

" Rooster" is a multi-layered performance that is loosely based on literature -- I.L. Peretz's Bontscha the Silent and Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot -- in addition to folk & bible stories.  The audience follows a man's journey of dreams as he explores themes of love, jealousy and death. 

Marshall tells these stories through small "vignettes" interspersed between explosive, high-energy dance routines.  The twelve strong dancers create patterns onstage while simultaneously moving quickly and using many small, articulate hand gestures.  Their movements propelled the progression of Marshall's stories, and for me, their intensity was the highlight of the show.

Marshall, an American Israeli choreographer who has previously choreographed for the Batsheva Ensemble and is known for his show "Monger", presented much more than a modern dance concert in "Rooster".  There were many times where Marshall's use of humor had the entire auditorium laughing. 

Another feature of the show were the two guest artists.  Margalit Oved, a legendary performer and former dancer/artistic director of the Inbal Dance Theater Company, is actually Marshall's mother.  She captivated the audience with her character through both Hebrew and English spoken word.  It is clear that Marshall's creative mind and charisma for theater art was inherited from his mother. sp; The second guest performer, Leslie Gretsova, is a local opera singer who gave an equally breathtaking performance.

"Rooster" lasted one hour which flew by too quickly.  When the show came to a close, the audience showed their enthusiasm by clapping until the final bow and curtain call -- the result of a successful show.  "Rooster" can be enjoyed by anyone from teenagers to seniors and will most likely be touring through the Tel Aviv area again soon.  Don't miss it!

Type of Show: Modern dance-theater show

Type of crowd: Local and foreigners

Age: Mix of ages, teenage to seniors

Price: 124-274 NIS