Who’s on Fire: Leonard Cohen in the Yom Kippur War
Multidisciplinary performance by Beit Avi Chai explores the story of Leonard Cohen in the Yom Kippur War. Integration of documentary footage, narration, music and exclusive performances clarifies the events and their impact on collective memory. The event depicts the 1973 attack through unique words, visuals and music. The show has achieved great success across the country.
Multidisciplinary performance by Beit Avi Chai explores the story of Leonard Cohen in the Yom Kippur War. Integration of documentary footage, narration, music and exclusive performances clarifies the events and their impact on collective memory. The event depicts the 1973 attack through unique words, visuals and music. The show has achieved great success across the country.
Additional details – “Who in the Fire”: Leonard Cohen in the Yom Kippur War
Featuring: Esther Rada, Geva Alon, Maya Blezitsman, Mati Friedmann – an international rock star who found himself in a war zone. He slept in a sleeping bag, ate combat rations, and between missions performed for soldiers confronting catastrophe. What actually brought him to the front line, and how did all of this turn into a song?
Cohen’s biography during the Yom Kippur War has become a mythic, puzzling event in Israeli history. “Who in the Fire” is an original multidisciplinary performance by Beit Avi Hai, shedding light on the events through Cohen’s own eyes. It documented the surprise attack on Israel, the smoke of battle, and the human soul’s attempt to protect itself—through words and music. His experiences from the land reverberate differently after 7 October 2023, weaving a thread of memory and comfort from 1973 to today.
The show presents the full story with guided sections, testimonies, diary excerpts, and, of course, the legendary songs of the great Cohen performed in exclusive arrangements. The production has toured the country and received great acclaim.
- Direction: Esther Rada
- Music: Geva Alon & Maya Blezitsman
- Special Guest: Mati Friedmann (author)
- Direction & Production: Avishi Huri
- Narration: Kobi Miden
- Video clips: Yonatan Zaid
- Video art: Eric Poterman
- Production: Shahar Montelake, Shir Sharoni
- Artistic accompaniment: Amichai Hasson
- Project management: Eyal Lavit
- Lighting design: Alon Porat
- Sound: Shai Shtraipler
- Show management: Noa Mordovitz
Based on the book “Who in the Fire – Leonard Cohen in the Yom Kippur War” by Mati Friedmann.
