After three outstanding performances seen by hundreds of enthusiastic Omahans, the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Partnership with Israel Performing Arts Series will conclude with a performance by the Akko Women’s Theater Center.

This special performance is open to the women of the Omaha Jewish community and will take place on Thursday, March 27th, 7pm at the JCC Theater. There is no charge to attend this event, and women who reserve their place by March 20th are invited to attend a complimentary dinner with the cast following the show.

The Akko Theater Center was founded in 1985 by a group of actors inspired by the need for artistic autonomy. The theater is located in the Old City of Akko in the Western Galilee, which has a large Arab population and offers fertile ground for the development of relations between the actors and the community. Its members have set for themselves two goals: the creation of a unique theatrical language, and active social involvement in the community.

After more than twenty years, the Akko Theatre Center is seen today as a unique and important phenomenon in the arena of Israeli culture, featuring actors known for their innovative work and sincere connection to the world around them. Bonnie Bloch, Committee Chair for the Performing Arts Series notes that the group is known for its originality and contemporary approach to theater.

“Lech Lecha (Go Forth),” was written and will be performed by an all-female cast. Three Israeli women will take the audience on a journey through their discoveries about life, culture, conflict and finding their place in this chaotic world. Through music, movement and dialogue, they will explore the constructs of their identities in relation to the current conflict in their country.

Past performances of the Performing Arts Series include November’s Keshet-Eilon violin concert, January’s Halil BaGaliee “Flutes Around the World,” and last month’s performance by the Kibbutz Gaaton dance group. According the Bloch, these performances have been very well received. “We’ve been so pleased with the terrific response to these earlier programs and look forward to another great show,” she said.

Funding for the Performing Arts Series is being provided by the Herbert Goldsten Trust, the JCC Theatre Program Endowment Fund, the Sokolof Music Fund, a Special Donor-Advised Fund, the Esther K. Newman Memorial Fund, the Myron (Mike) Milder II Memorial Fund, the Morton A. Richards Endowment Fund, and the Samuel & Bess Rothenberg Memorial Endowment Fund.

Bloch hopes to see a large turnout for the Akko Women’s theater program. “This program is a wonderful way to end the series, giving the women of our community a unique opportunity to come together. And the opportunity to have dinner with the cast will be a great way to end this special evening.”