Heart's Desire - HaSimta Theatre

Ages 16 and up, due to explicit language and sexual content on stage. No latecomers will be admitted. The play takes place at a location belonging to a church in Britain, and follows a series of meetings between a young student named Jude (the name hints at Judas Iscariot) and a priest. The purpose of the meetings is to convert Jude's sexual orientation. The reason for this is that Jude was caught by his father watching pornographic material, and his father sent him for "treatment" within the church. Jude, a religious young man, does everything he can to please his father and to be "loved" by God. While in "treatment," he fantasizes about his Scouts youth leader, Joshua (the name hints at Jesus), with whom he is in love. Joshua doesn't know about it. Jude dreams of living with his beloved as a couple, and raising a child together. The play examines the effect of the conversion process on the psyche of young men and women of various sexual orientations, and its social implications. Supported by the Ministry of Culture. Writing: Nadav Burstein, Tom Dalrymple. Directing: Arye Elder. Set and costume design: Dalit Inbar. Movement/dance: Netali Shilman. Music: Daniel Jones. Lighting design: Yuli Gershik. Photography: Uri Rubinstein. Cast (in order of appearance): Alon Katan, Amitai Kedar / Josh Sagi, Assaf Finkelstein. From the reviews: Shachar Slotzky and Daniel Roth, LGBT social workers at the Tel Aviv Municipal Department of Social Services and facilitators of the "Golden Rainbow" group: "The play 'A Willing Heart' was moving, gripping, and powerful for its audience. The wonderful acting and the refreshing writing kept us riveted throughout the entire show. As people who work in the LGBT field and are themselves part of the community, it's impossible to remain indifferent to the inner battle the protagonist goes through. Internalized homophobia and the social conditioning that leads to it cross every sector and era, and the play conveys these feelings throughout. At the same time, it's impossible not to hold on to hope for what comes next — hope that is emphasized in the play's closing chord." "Last Saturday I watched the play 'A Willing Heart.' A play with three actors on a bare stage. A stage with a single piece of furniture, a bed that changes position as the plot develops. The performances of the two students are stunning, and the plot is touching and so relevant. A gripping show, crafted by a master's hand. In short: hurry to see this magical Fringe production." Nadav Inbar. "…A powerful play that speaks at eye level. The play is relevant and important to watch especially these days, when extremist voices try to darken the lives of many women and men who want to exercise their natural right as human beings and live full lives, not just survive. An excellent show — vote with your feet!" Nira Peri, Salona.