Israel International Exposure 2009 – Israel versus Canada

reviewed by Paula Citron
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Israel International Exposure
Dance and Theatre Showcase
Tel Aviv
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Israel’s annual International Exposure brought producers, presenters, programmers and writers to Tel Aviv from 31 countries world wide. As a result of this annual showcase, Israeli dance and theatre companies are featured in every major festival and theatre around the world.

I want to relate one story, but it could stand for the several I heard. The producer of the largest contemporary dance festival in South Korea was already acquainted with Quebec dance but was interested in discovering companies in English Canada. He went to the Canadian embassy in Seoul and was told that the Canadian government does not tour artists. When he asked for at least a list of companies, he was told the embassy doesn’t do that either. So much for the cultural cretins in Ottawa.

When I think about our excellent artists who toil in indifference, I envy countries like Israel where culture has pride of place.

Am I mad, you bet I am!