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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.
Views: 2
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Adam Davis on -
Just for reference, Shefa Gold has a nice translation here.
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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.
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Permalink Reply by Jordana 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?
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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.
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