The controversy around actor Norman Issa's refusal to perform in the Jordan Valley, first reported by Israel Hayom, is still raging. Although few members of the theater world have agreed to give interviews on the subject, two -- Nathan Datner and Gil Frank -- chose to clarify their positions on a complicated matter. Datner, who is directing Habima Theater's new play, "A Happy Family," in which Issa appears, said the issue would have died down "if the Haifa Theater had acted appropriately and agreed to the request Norman made four months ago to find him a replacement." "Moreover, I have to say, what do you want from Norman Issa? An actor who is an Israeli Arab, married to a Jewish woman, opened a theater with his wife in the name of coexistence," Datner said. "Issa is a guy who's really trying to create something designed to coexistence, and his conscience won't let him appear in disputed territories. You have to understand him, just as in principle you can understand an Israeli Arab who has difficulty singing the national anthem or doesn't enlist in the army. You need to not preach, and certainly not tie one thing to another and practically
threaten not to fund the theater [Issa] and his wife started." Actor Gil Frank said: "As an actor, I'm willing to perform anywhere, any time. My political opinion has the voting booth, the right to demonstrate, and freedom of speech on social media. However, it's harder and more complicated to be an Israeli Arab than to be a Jew, so I understand Norman's feelings, as well as the theater that employs him and lets him express them this way. Culture Minister [Miri Regev's] response to the matter just proves the strong-arm [approach] of the government and exposes the weakness of its democratic spirit." On Wednesday, Regev said: "I respect and appreciate the actor Norman Issa and his work toward coexistence. Only a few days ago, he and I agreed that I would help and supported the Elmina Theater he manages, which promotes coexistence between Arabs and Jews." "In the name of that same coexistence, I support the Elmina Theater, and expect it not to stop coexistence at the Tel Aviv [city] border, but apply it to all parts of the country," Regev said. MKs from the Joint Arab List, on the other hand, were furious with Regev and Education Minister Naftali Bennett. "Bennett and Regev are riding a wave of cheap populism that will lead to cultural and artistic collapse. Minister Regev noted that 'coexistence doesn't stop at the Tel Aviv [city] border,' but forgot that where freedom of expression, culture and coexistence stop, the occupation starts," the Joint Arab List said in a statement.
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Culture minister: Coexistence does not stop at Tel Aviv border
After Arab-Israeli actor Norman Issa refuses to perform in Jordan Valley, Culture Minister Miri Regev says he should be willing to work in "all parts of the country" • Colleagues say Issa's stance should be understood • Joint Arab List criticizes Regev.