The play 'Who Falls' is a powerful exploration of the struggles faced by a religious gay man, and it has been brought to life on stage at the Khan Theatre. The lead actor, Shachar Nach, who portrays the main character, Benny, is not religious but has a deep understanding of the experience of coming out. He says, 'I want a religious gay person watching the play to feel like they're not alone in the world.'
The story centers around Benny, a religious man who wants to conform to societal norms, and his wife, Esther, who he loves deeply. Despite their two children, the couple's marriage begins to fall apart due to the challenges they face in a conservative society. The play delves into the painful process of coming to terms with a shattered reality.
Nach, who is not religious, shares his perspective on the play's themes. He says, 'I think about people who live in the dark with their desires, and I shrink at the thought. I can't imagine such a life, even with all its complexities. I'm glad that in the end, Benny and Esther choose life.'
Nach's character, Benny, struggles with his sexual orientation and the expectations of his religious community. He says, 'I took time to understand the weight of marriage, the desire to get married, and the value of a home within the religious community. It was a challenging realization, especially for someone who doesn't come from that background.'
The play also touches on the theme of 'conversion therapy' and the hope that Benny holds onto. Nach says, 'I assume there must be some hope when you have so much to lose, with the consequences for your family and your place in society. The deeper we delve into the process, I tell myself, wow, this is a difficult story.'
Nach reflects on his own coming-out experience, saying, 'It's complex. I remember wanting to be left alone before coming out. There was something annoying about the environment, even the prying, and I felt like people wanted to put me in a box, categorize me. I wanted to break free and feel free alongside my true identity.'
The play highlights the tension between religious belief and sexual orientation, as well as the conflict between societal expectations and personal desires. Nach says, 'I think the play emphasizes the tension between society and the individual, between societal expectations and the private nature of one's desires.'
Nach's portrayal of Benny is nuanced, capturing the character's vulnerability and passivity. He says, 'I think Benny is a character of hope and fragility. He's not proactive; things just happen to him. In a way, Esther is the true protagonist of the story. She's the one who stands up and refuses to go on.'
The play's director, Noa Shechter, explains the creative process, saying, 'The adaptation is faithful to the book, but we made some changes to suit the stage. We created a world based on the book, but the dialogues are not identical. This gave us some freedom. I think the play has a gradual process, like water rising to the surface. There's a sense that it could continue, but it can't really go on like that.'
Nach's co-star, Anna Pogatch, who plays Esther, shares her thoughts on the character. She says, 'The relationship between Benny and Esther is unique. In another life, they could have been just good friends, but something is always missing in their relationship. Benny doesn't really manage to desire her.'
Nach concludes by saying, 'I think the play has a lot of significance in Jerusalem. I would like to make people feel like they're not alone in the world. I want to evoke an emotional and human response from the audience. We haven't had a real encounter with the audience yet, only a strange rehearsal with a few people due to the war.'
