stimulating, promoting and producing the next generation of Jewish Expression
Ayelet Rose Gottlieb's Mayim Rabim
As you may know, the piece is based on the sacred Hebrew text known as Shirim HaShirim (The Song of Songs). As we saw though the performance, the source material is rich with erotic metaphors, it is viewed as an allegory of the relationship between G-d and Israel.
Gottlieb's performance is an opportunity to raise some questions. Here's some conversation starters:
* What were your overall impressions of the piece? What was memorable?
* Feel free to give a review. Or react to ones in the Forward, All About Jazz, Reader
* Do Gottlieb's music and imagery stir any emotions?
* What is Judaism's attitude toward sensuality?
* Why are female perspectives rarely heard in our liturgy?
* Does Judaism care about romance, or is love only useful as religious allegory?
* Song of Songs' motifs are emotional: Flirtation. Desire. Longing. So what?
Add your responses, comments and thoughts to our discussion.
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Adam Davis on -
Just for reference, Shefa Gold has a nice translation here.
-
Permalink Reply by Eldad Itzhaki on -
I am familiar with the Hebrew text, but the first song, Tapuah, surprised me with how tastefully it depicted sex. As Ayelet sang of being 'in the fever of love,' the backup singers rhythmically gasped over one another, and the sound painted a rather vivid image.
-
Permalink Reply by Jordana K. on -
I attended Gottleib's performance at the Chicago Cultural Center. What I noticed most was that Gottleib's performance was so sensory rich. In addition to vocals and instrumentals, Gottleib provided her audience with an intense visual experience with her choreography, costumes (including a bright red robe), and a video playing on a floor-to-ceiling screen the whole time. At times, the experience was almost overwhelming. I wonder what Gottleib's intentions were. . .Did she intend to create an overwhelming experience at times? Was this meant to convey certain feelings? Or was it more of an accident? Did anyone else react the same way?
-
Permalink Reply by Rafi B on -
I agree, Jordana. The show was definitely a full sensory experience. Not as overwhelming for me as awe-inspiring. A real multi-media performance in the best sense; engaging and provocative. Big credit to the cultural center for bringing in such great acts, and Kfar for promoting.
Music
Photos
Latest Activity
Life. Love. Lox. at BooCoo Cafe & Cultural Center
August 8, 2010 from 1pm to 3pm
Author and columnist Carin Davis signs and reads from her new book, Life, Love, Lox: Real-World Advice for the Modern Jewish Girl
Like Manischewitz with a twist, this saucy book will show the young Chosen Ones how to mix their Jewish roots with the…
Life. Love. Lox. Lakeview. at conversations, book, literature, life, love, lox, carin, davis, author, advice, reading
August 8, 2010 from 4pm to 5:30pm
Lookout Lakeview! Author and columnist Carin Davis signs and reads from her new book, Life, Love, Lox: Real-World Advice for the Modern Jewish Girl
Like Manischewitz with a twist, this saucy book will show the young Chosen Ones how to mix their Jew…
The Levins at BooCoo Cafe & Cultural Center
July 25, 2010 from 7pm to 9pm
Ira and Julia Levin are The Levins, performing a blend of many world musical styles that might be called “Mystic Folk.” With influences ranging from Jethro Tull to Debbie Friedman, their spiritual Americana blends sea shanties with Hebrew lyrics and…
KFAR Music Compilation FREE Download at http://www.kfarcenter.org/
June 14, 2010 at 6pm to August 14, 2010 at 7pm
RSVP to the KFAR Music Compilation 'FREE Download event' and get a whole set of rockin' good tunes.
That's right- we're giving away a dozen mp3's to everyone who RSVP's to this event right here on our website. Then you can enjoy them in your home,…
Marbin with special guest Paul Wertico at Chopin Theatre
August 19, 2010 from 8pm to 10:30pm
Global Groove Chicago and KFAR present Marbin.
Formed in Israel in June 2007 by guitarist Dani Rabin and saxophonist Danny Markovitch, the duo’s hallmark is a lush, multi-layered approach to compositions that creates a surprisingly rich sonic lands…
KFAR 8th Anniversary Party at Chopin Theatre Lounge
July 24, 2010 at 9pm to July 25, 2010 at 1am
On July 25 2002, KFAR got its start with a double bill of Even Sh'Siyah and YidCore at Chase Cafe.
8 years and countless events later, we're stronger than ever. As Chicago's leading year-round presenter of contemporary Jewish arts and music events,…
Rebbesoul at BooCoo Cafe & Cultural Center
August 22, 2010 from 7pm to 9pm
A rock guitarist and studio session musician, Rebbesoul was inspired by the haunting beauty of a prayer heed heard one night in synagogue. From memory, he reconstructed the melody and lyrics, and so began a spiritual and musical journey that brought…
The Levins at BooCoo Cafe & Cultural Center
July 25, 2010 from 7pm to 9pm
Ira and Julia Levin are The Levins, performing a blend of many world musical styles that might be called “Mystic Folk.” With influences ranging from Jethro Tull to Debbie Friedman, their spiritual Americana blends sea shanties with Hebrew lyrics and…
© 2010 Created by Adam Davis.
