The Habimah Theater today announced the suspension of two of its veteran actors, Shmuel Rudensky and Shlomo Bar Shavit, both of whom are now appearing on the Israeli stage in productions mounted by rival theatrical groups. Both actors have been with Habimah 20 years, and are now on leave. Mr. Rudensky is playing Tevya in the Israeli production of “Fiddler on the Roof.” Mr. Bar Shavit is appearing in “The Strange Case of Aliza Mizrachi,” staged by Menachem Golan’s Theater.
In announcing the unprecedented move to suspend the actors, the Habimah management stated that its financial situation is now serious and “requires the mobilization of its top acting talent.” “If we do not crack down now,” the management added, “then tomorrow every Habimah actor will decide he can pick up and choose the plays in which he will agree to perform.”
A spokesman for Mr. Rudensky quoted the actor as saying: “After 20 years at starvation wages, the management did not find it necessary to call me to discuss why I refuse to return to Habimah. I did not want to appear in a particular play for personal reasons. The first notification I had of my suspension came from a newspaperman. I will not take it lying down. If necessary, I will protest to the Labor and Education Ministries. I want at least a right to a hearing.”
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