The short film Yoram Tolledano – A Stageless Actor is available to watch at the top of the page.
The corona pandemic brought unprecedented silence to the vibrant cultural landscape of Israel, most notably its theaters. This deafening quietness made for a profound backdrop during a conversation with Yoram Tolledano, one of Israel’s most esteemed actors, at Beit Lessin Theater.
Tolledano, prior to the pandemic, had been an omnipresent presence on the theater stage, captivating audiences every evening with his performance. The pandemic brought a pause to this routine, but it did little to dim his star, a luminary status he had earned following the success of the Israeli TV series, Prisoners of War.
Prisoners of War, or “Hatufim” as it is known in Hebrew, was an exceptional production, earning the accolade of being ranked No. 1 on The New York Times list of the 30 best international TV shows of the decade. Tolledano’s role in the series propelled him to national and international recognition and acclaim.
The breadth of Tolledano’s acting career is impressive. His participation in theater spans numerous productions, including the poignant Lost in Yonkers, the whimsical Chinese I’m Talking to You, the mysterious The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, along with The Handicapped, Love of Death, The Mountain Doesn’t Move, and Double Panther.
But Tolledano’s oeuvre extends beyond the stage; he has also graced the small screen, featuring in TV shows such as Bloody Murray, Pillars Of Smoke, Driver Rituals, and of course, Prisoners Of War. His impact in cinema is no less significant, as evidenced by his roles in films like Echo, Three Mothers, Longing, Adam Resurrected, and Orange People. Tolledano’s performance in the film Echo won him the Best Actor award at the Euro-Asia Festival in 2020, cementing his reputation as a versatile performer.
In the accompanying video, Tolledano opened up about his experiences during the pandemic, sharing stories from the backstage and the rehearsal room, reflecting on the craft of acting and the work process that goes into it. He also candidly discussed the growing fear and unease that had taken root among performers due to the prolonged absence of contact with the audience.
The vacant theater stage, normally buzzing with activity and artistic fervor, seemed to echo with a certain sadness during our walk. It was a poignant reminder of the void created by the pandemic. Yet, even in this emptiness, the spirit of performers like Tolledano remains undiminished, their stories a beacon of hope and resilience for the world of theater that waits to be filled with life once again.
