Habima Theatre, National theatre in Tel Aviv, Israel
Habima Theatre is a theatre building and performing company located in central Tel Aviv, housing several performance spaces and rehearsal halls under a single roof. The exterior is clad in pale limestone that gives the structure a clean appearance amid the surrounding urban cultural district.
Nachum Zemach founded the company in 1917 as a Hebrew language ensemble that initially performed at temporary venues. Decades later the troupe settled into its permanent home in Tel Aviv and gained official status as the national stage of the country, cementing its role in the growth of Hebrew theatre.
The name translates to stage in Hebrew and reflects the venue's role as the home of Hebrew language drama in the country. Visitors attend performances that draw on both traditional texts and modern works, with the language itself serving as a central element that ties the company to its audience and national identity.
The location near Rothschild Boulevard allows for straightforward access by public transport, with shows scheduled most evenings of the week. The venue remains closed on Shabbat, so visitors planning to attend a performance should arrange their schedule around the other days.
The company received the Israel Prize in 1958, one of the highest honors awarded by the country for cultural achievement. This recognition marked decades of work in advancing Hebrew language performance and its place in the national consciousness.
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