Since its establishment in 1967, the Khan Theater, Jerusalem’s only producing repertory theater, has gradually risen to prominence in the Israeli theater world and in recent years has attained a level of excellence that far exceeds its relative size. Despite producing only about three or four new shows annually, the Khan has succeeded in taking home a surprising number of Israeli theater awards, repeatedly beating out heavyweights such as Tel Aviv's Habima and Cameri theaters.
The Khan resides in the heart of what could be termed the capital’s culture district, right across from the new First Station complex, up the street from the Cinematheque, one block from Zappa Club, and a ten minute walk from the Jerusalem Theater. Set in such surroundings, the Khan’s picturesque locale is apparently conducive to good theater. Alternatively, it could be something in the water, or the unique methods of Artistic Director Michael Gurevitch, whose creative process is different, to say the least. Gurevitch, who also writes and directs many of the theater’s productions, often requires his actors to begin rehearsing before the play is finished, filling out fragmented, or rather - who are we kidding? - non-existent, plot outlines through improvisation and reciprocal exchanges of ideas.
The Khan bolsters its program with productions from other Israeli theater groups, also peddling its top-class material in venues throughout the country. Its list of prize-grabbing productions include such recent titles as 'A Passing Shadow' (2000), 'War on Home' (2002), 'The Miser' (2003), 'Happiness' (2004) and 'Life Is a Dream' (2005).
