Middle East drama comes to Wellington. Armed with music, killer heels and a lethal troop of divas, an enraged Israeli man executes a story of victimhood, persecution, aggression and love. Ballad of the Burning Star is the story of one Jewish boy’s struggle to come to terms with the conflict raging in his homeland, Israel – and it’s all told in a daring, satirical and provocative way – – starting with a bomb ….
Following the sell-out success of its premiere at Edinburgh Fringe 2013, Theatre Ad Infinitum takes its new award-winning musical play on tour, including a night in Wellington on 30 January. The tour also includes a 3-week London run at the Battersea Arts Centre.
The full force of this emotional and passionate political story unfolds with biting wit and passion through a cacophonic concoction of cabaret, drag, physical storytelling, original songs, live music and new writing. Co-Artistic Director, Israeli-born Nir Paldi, is writer, director and co-performer of the company’s Edinburgh hit, which is inspired by his own experiences growing up in Israel.
Nir stars in the show as its MC, the high-heeled and hairy-chested drag-queen ‘STAR’, supported by a glittering troupe: her secret weapon, THE STARLETS. Together, under a shining Star of David mirror ball, they examine an Israeli man’s childhood in a Jewish settlement built on occupied Palestinian territory, the perpetual war that tore his family apart, and the traumatic events of his military service that made him ask: “Am I a victim or a persecutor?”
“I wanted to explore the identity crisis facing my homeland, Israel,” says Nir Paldi. “It was a big risk for me, highlighting and publicly airing the bare facts of the conflicts and contradictions of today’s Israel. This is a dark subject matter, but we have approached it playfully. Elements of cabaret, sanguine humour, and drag act as a colourful counter-balance to the tragic elements of our story. And it’s worked; Ballad provoked passionate debate and reactions – from anger and sadness to excitement and astonishment – at Edinburgh. We’re now really looking forward to coming to the Wellington School. We can’t wait to find out what new audiences will make of it..!”
Theatre Ad Infinitum’s Ballad of the Burning Star is on stage at Wellington School on 30 January. Start time is 7pm in the Great Hall. Tickets cost £12 for adults (£10 concessions). For more information ring 01823 668850