In the "Second Law of Thermodynamics", Tamar Raban and Ensemble 209, a group that included artists from different mediums and countries, designed a performance that indicated the tensions typical of Israeli society. The Central Bus Station area, a place where immigrants and minorities congregate, served as its source of inspiration. The performance was held in a unique amphitheater-like structure where the audience sits in a sunken central space surrounded by student desks that served as a stage. Around them there was a simultaneous and dynamic occurrence, structured to seem like a classroom whereby each artist relayed their personal childhood story as a lesson. Universal childhood games and texts from various sources were incorporated into motion, singing, poetry, music, video and stage work. In the last segment, the layout was reversed, with the audience now on stage and watching events unfold within the sunken theater.

A work by Tamar Raban and Ensemble 209

Year: 2005

Venue: Performance Art Platform, Central Bus Station, Tel Aviv

Participating artists: Tamar Raban, Lior Kariel, Daniel Bruk, Guy Gutman, Bayne Gatuhunen, Yosuef Salame, Yana Fridman, Beni Kori, guest artist: Yaacov Hefetz

Co-director and musical accompaniment: Guy Gutman

Backdrop design: Oren Sagiv