psik theater

PSIK THEATER - A Theater with a Social Conscience "Psik Theater" was established in Jerusalem in 1997 by the actors Assi Shimoni, Samuel Hedges, and Uzi Biton. Role model for quality art and social action - Today the definition of a successful actor or theater does not include what it does for society. In Israel there are many theaters which are recognized for their artistic achievements; however, they also possess a tremendous potential for bringing about social change, which is not fulfilled. Israeli society and its artists await a new model of Israeli theater. A theater that will be a genuine part of its environment and act as a catalyst for change, to create a healthy society that is egalitarian and supportive. Psik Theater in Jerusalem is a living example of this model: We combine theater that mounts quality performances and wins recognition in Israel and throughout the world, along with first-ever initiatives for social change. The theater has two divisions: The repertory theater division: mounts original Israeli plays dealing with core issues of society in Israel. All of the plays are professional and of the highest artistic quality. They are performed in theaters, educational and community institutions, and festivals in Jerusalem, throughout Israel including its periphery, and around the world. In 2014 the theater put on 368 performances, in front of 16,294 spectators. The social division: Operates Platforma – Israel's largest community acting school, attended by some 200 amateur actors – religious and secular, old and young, and coming from diverse socio-economic levels. The social division also operates Synergy – a theater center for actors with special needs. These amateur actors learn from professional actors and appear throughout the year. In addition, this division also operates Maot Chanukah [Chanukah Gelt] – An innovative theater festival annually addressing thousands of children and adults with special needs and the social periphery, putting on cultural performances that are custom-tailored to the residents in both content and price. Psik Theater actors take part in all of these activities, as entrepreneurs and performers and thus integrate art, professionalism, and a contribution to society. Thus we have created a new model of theater – a cultural institution where social activism fosters artistic creation, and are fused together into a theater that lives within its people and works to create a healthier society. Out of this encounter with different audiences – we are witness to the need, the tremendous thirst for this kind of activity. We hope to increase and extend our operations significantly and to create as large an audience as possible. We believe that the day is not far off when we will become a model that other cultural institutions will choose to adopt for themselves. Psik Theater operates at the Mazia House of Theater, in the center of Jerusalem - a historic building renovated by the Jerusalem Municipality. The building has two theaters designated for 220 spectators each. Our activities here serve as vanguard action to revive downtown Jerusalem culturally and socially.