October 29 — Learn about Golda Meir, Meet Golda Meir
“Golda’s Balcony” is an affectionate portrait of the larger-than-life Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, a complex one-woman play, takes a dramatic look at history, idealism and power. In connection with the performance by the Civic Theatre, Middle East expert Pierre Atlas will give a talk about Golda Meir.
When: Wednesday October 29 7:00 PM
Where: Civic Theatre, Marian College 3200 Cold Spring Road
“Golda’s Balcony” follows the trajectory of the life of Golda Meir from Russian immigrant to American schoolteacher to a leader of international politics as the fourth Prime Minister of Israel. Much of its focus is on the period surrounding the 1973 Yom Kippur War, when Israel was attacked by Egypt and Syria. Gibson’s drama suggests Meir threatened Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger with the launch of nuclear weapons against her enemies, conceivably starting World War III, unless the U.S. came to her country’s aid.
Why does Provocate think you should attend this event?
Pierre Atlas is the area’s leading specialist on Israel and the Middle East, he always gives a good talk. It is an effective way to learn about current events, through a discussion of a drama that addresses history. And Golda Meir was a Mid-Westerner, a daughter of Milwaukie … it will be interesting to see how that works into the play.
If you think this sounds interesting, be sure to check out …
Another Mid-Western woman thrust into international politics at the same time Golda Meir was is former Ambassador Jean Wilkowski, speaking September 17. For a very different perspective on Jewish women: The film “Making Trouble” on November 1.
And for your listening pleasure …
SeeqPod - Playable Search
As Israel developed into a new country with a new culture and old religion, it restored Hebrew as the official language, an new/old language that woiuld replace the Yiddish associated with Diaspora and subserviencein Europe. The musicologist Sinai Leichter collected Yiddish songs from across Israel in a multi-volume anthology he dedicated to Golda Meir. Good thing. Those Yiddish songs are not museum pieces: they are now a source of vital creativity for Israeli and European artists. Klezmer music is one of the most imaginative genres today.
