A new musical contemplates spirituality
The musical is inspired by Jewish and eastern mysticism.
Musician Ari Jacob (Wenig) has created Son called Moon, a folk-rock musical that will be performed at Chapel Off Chapel from June 22.
The show is deeply personal for Jacob, drawing on spiritual teachings and raw human experience. The musical explores themes of shame and vulnerability, sexuality and religion, truth and wisdom – a prophecy for a time when “the Moon will give light like the Sun.”
Speaking to The AJN, Jacob said, “Son Called Moon is a musical allegory for the spiritual quest of our generation, told through a story about how the moon became the moon.”
The musical is inspired by Jewish and eastern mysticism.
“It is the story of an inquisitive and adventurous child named Moon, and his relationship with the mysterious, ever-present feminine, Sun,” explained Jacob. “She had once been an ethereal playmate and teacher, but when Young Moon stumbles upon an unusual fruit which Sun does not recognise, she fear-mongers him into a life of agoraphobic isolation … 10 years since the fruit first appeared, Moon finds the fruit once again, waiting on his bed. This time, in a fit of rage, Sun threatens to abandon Moon if he eats the fruit, leaving him alone in the darkness. Moon takes a bite, the stage goes black, and chaos ensues.”
Discussing the inspiration behind these ideas, Jacob said, “Son Called Moon is steeped in ideas from Jewish mysticism and was born out of many years of spiritual explorations and experiences in Israel. This show is rooted in values and ideas which are inherently Jewish in their nature: connection to the divine, bestowing light unto others, the manifestation and embodiment of the soul, the centrality of family, and important questions about freedom.
“I believe that now, more than ever, is a critical time for our community to be sharing and communicating our wisdom and heritage in a purely artistic and non-political format.”
Jacob graduated from Leibler Yavneh College and has returned to Australia this year after spending seven years living in Israel. He was recently the musical director for the Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut community commemorations in Melbourne and Sydney and organised for several Israeli musicians to join him on stage for performances during these events.
This same group will take part in Son Called Moon, making it too an Israeli/Australian collaboration, bringing together creatives from both countries.
The music for the show was recorded in Israel and will be released next week on all streaming platforms.
The musical is directed by James Cutler and stars Irish performer Claire Burns. The ensemble are Amira Susskind, Avi’el Hurvitz, and Israeli songwriter Shaya Avitan. Other Israelis in the creative team include artistic director Daniel Boggio, co-musical director Gal Shemi and cellist Eilon Freeman.
To book tickets visit bit.ly/SonCalledMoonTix
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