PLAYGROUND ISRAEL

Junges Staatstheater Berlin 2014

PLAYGROUND ISRAEL is a dynamic theater and performing arts festival in Berlin, born from a collaboration between Theater an der Parkaue and the Israeli Embassy in Berlin. This annual event seeks to bridge cultural gaps, offering a rich and diverse program that resonates with audiences of all ages, particularly young people and families. With a focus on storytelling, the festival provides an immersive experience through theater productions, thought-provoking readings, engaging discussions, and electrifying concerts.

At the heart of PLAYGROUND ISRAEL is the desire to create a space for genuine dialogue and creative exchange, a platform where Israeli artists — both from Israel and based in Berlin — can engage with the local Berlin audience in meaningful ways. The festival’s aim is not only to celebrate Israeli culture but to foster mutual understanding, creating an environment where audiences can experience the richness of Israeli life through art and performance.

In partnership with the talented illustration artist Ella Cohen, I had the privilege of working on a captivating two-minute trailer that introduces the festival in an entirely unique way. Through our collaboration, we brought Ella’s illustrations to life, blending her vibrant, evocative art with audiovisual elements to create an immersive, animated experience that encapsulates the spirit of the festival.

The idea was simple yet powerful: To translate the festival’s essence into a visual and auditory journey that would captivate viewers and spark curiosity about the diverse cultural experiences PLAYGROUND ISRAEL offers. Ella’s work, known for its bold lines and emotional depth, was the perfect foundation for this project. Together, we explored how illustration and animation could become a bridge, not just between two art forms, but between cultures, ideas, and communities. The result is a trailer that doesn’t just introduce the festival — it invites the viewer into a world of connection, creativity, and exploration.

The trailer is more than a promotional tool; it serves as a reflection of the festival’s core values — interaction, discovery, and the power of art to foster understanding. As PLAYGROUND ISRAEL continues to grow, its impact reaches beyond entertainment, touching on themes of cultural exchange and the shared human experience, encouraging Berlin’s audiences to engage with stories and perspectives from Israel in an intimate and personal way.

www.parkaue.de