40 YEARS OF THE JERUSALEM KHAN THEATRE
The Khan Theatre in Jerusalem is one of the most beautiful and unique theatres in Israel. Up to now the most common opinion was that the building which dates back to the 19th century, the Ottoman period, was built on the ruins of an ancient building from the Crusader period and was used as an inn which catered to caravan travelers who arrived in Jerusalem after nightfall when the gates of the old city had been locked for the night. New research headed by Prof. Ruth Kark of the Hebrew University states that the structure was built in the middle of the 19th century by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchy as a silk factory surrounded by mulberry trees that were planted all around, in order to use their leaves to feed the silkworms. Today a mulberry tree still stands and blooms in this courtyard.
Later, during the British Mandate before the State of Israel was established, the structure served as a beer cellar, an arsenal and since 1948 as a carpentry workshop.
In the early sixties an amateur theatre group called "HaMaagal" was performing in a night club in the center of town. Due to a fire in the club, the director of the group, Philip Diskin, was seeking donations and he arrived to the carpentry workshop situated here to ask for a podium as a donation from the owner. The idea of transforming this magnificent place to a theatre was born during this visit. Diskin recruited Teddy Kollek, Jerusalem's legendary mayor who encouraged the idea of giving ancient building of Jerusalem a new and vibrant cultural content. In 1967 the Jerusalem Foundation started to renovate the building. The architects regarded with importance the preservation of the unique features such as the arches in the Hall and at the entrance and the mill - stone in the yard. This concept has contributed to the intimate and unique atmosphere and ambience that still exist today. In October 1967 the opening ceremony of the Khan took place.
In 1972, after surviving the threat of demolition, the Khan was renovated
and transformed into a center for theatre and culture, fulfilling the vision of
Mr. Teddy Kollek, former mayor of Jerusalem, by giving the ancient
buildings of Jerusalem a new and vibrant cultural content. The unique
structure, the beautiful courtyard and the special atmosphere have created a
type of theatre characterized by intimate and direct contact with the audience
and involvement and social interaction with the community.
The Khan Theatre Company is the only permanent repertory company operating in Jerusalem. The theatre produces four new plays each theatre season and the repertoire is carefully chosen by the artistic director, and includes original Israeli plays, some written especially for the company, as well as both classical and modern European and American plays.
The Jerusalem Khan Theatre has made the most significant breakthrough
in the theatre world in Israel in the last few years and is considered one of
leading theatres in Israel. The Khan has won many prestigious awards over the years and has received critical acclaim from critics and audiences alike. The Khan has always been known and continues to be a quality and unique theatre whose backbone is a permanent ensemble of actors; the plays are produced without any rating considerations and the plays are chosen for their artistic qualities.
The Khan is a non-profit organization (register "amuta" in Israel) which is supported by the Jerusalem Foundation, the Jerusalem Municipality and the Ministry of Science, Culture & Sport. The theatre actively takes part in community and civic activities by bringing to the theatre diversified populations who might not be able to afford to attend the theatre or do not have a cultural awareness - such as the elderly, new immigrants and residents from low-income neighborhoods, as well as single mothers.
The theatre give special attention to deaf and hearing impaired individuals and hosts terror victims and their families.
