Logline & Concept
A mythological parable about Jerusalem — from the primordial chaos of Tohu va-Bohu to the present day. The performance awakens the ancient "Jerusalem Princess," the spirit of the city that has endured chaos, destruction, and rebirth. A visual-musical narrative intertwines past and present, reality and fantasy, showing how new order emerges from disorder. The central message is simple yet powerful: never stop believing in miracles, even when the world seems to descend into darkness. This family performance was created as part of Israel's National Children's Book Festival.
Creative Team
- Co-Director: Nick Dreyden
- Video & Multimedia: Nick Dreyden (Media Artist)
- Producers: "BaMizvad" Festival and ANU – Museum of the Jewish People (Tel Aviv)
- Venue: Tish Hall, ANU Museum, Tel Aviv
Premiere
March 25, 2023, during the "BaMizvad" Festival, ANU Museum, Tel Aviv.
Visual & Multimedia Concept
The Jerusalem Princess was conceived as an interactive multimedia experience. On stage, white cubic walls were transformed by projection mapping into shifting landscapes: from the Foundation Stone of the Temple to the contemporary skyline of Jerusalem. As media artist, Nick Dreyden amplified the fairytale atmosphere with dynamic video mapping — ancient frescoes, monumental Hebrew letters, and starry skies flared to life around the performers, immersing children and families in the story of the city. In the finale, as the Princess of Jerusalem addressed the audience, the screen blossomed into a vast family tree, symbolizing the connection between generations. The projections and live performance merged into a single immersive environment, creating what ANU Museum described as "a unique atmosphere of full immersion into the world of history." The visual language became a guide for young audiences: flying letters, animated manuscripts, and magical drawings allowed children to grasp the city's complex history through wonder and play.
Reception
The project received warm acclaim from parents and audiences. Social media posts highlighted the delight of children: "It was a complete feeling of wonder – my kids watched with their mouths open," one parent wrote. ANU Museum summarized: "This is a story about the importance of remembering miracles, and continuing to believe in them." The performance successfully combined legend and modern technology into an enchanting experience accessible to all ages.
Gallery
