The Ari: A Play

By Michael Nikolakis

The most famous Kabbalist of all times, Isaac Luria or known as the Ari (the Lion), came to this world to teach the wisdom of Kabbalah to one student only, Chaim Vital. As the Ari did not physically write anything, his student Chaim was the only person who recorded the teachings.

Years later, his son Shmuel Vital edited and published the writings that we have now. However, some of the deepest secret writings were buried with Chaim in his grave. Against his father's will, Shmuel digged out the secret writings...

Shmuel is the narrator of his father's and the Ari's story. This is the story of teacher and student moving through different stages in their spiritual development in order to reach the ultimate goal: Final Redemption - meaning, to bring Messiah, to bring the end of pain and suffering in the world. Will they achieve their purpose?

About the Author

Michael Nikolakis was born in Athens and holds a BA in English Studies from the University of Athens. He continued his studies in England with an MA in English/Theatre from the University of Reading and a PhD in Politics/Theatre/Cultural Studies from the University of North London (now London Metropolitan University). His doctorate thesis, Staging Identity: Postcolonial Processes in Contemporary Irish Drama, has been referenced in numerous subsequent academic publications. Michael has lectured in Theatre Studies at universities in England and Ireland. Michael has collaborated with various theatre groups in England and Greece.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AKAKIA Publications
• Release date: May 9, 2016
• ISBN: 9781911352273

Book preview

THE ARI

A play by

Michael Nikolakis

Copyright © Michael Nikolakis 2016

Published in England by AKAKIA Publications, 2016

MICHAEL NIKOLAKIS

THE ARI

ISBN: 978-1-911352-27-3

Copyright © Michael Nikolakis 2016

CopyrightHouse.co.uk ID: 189323

Cover Image:

Photo: Sea of Galilee (Lake Kineret) by Michael Nikolakis

CopyrightHouse.co.uk ID: 189324

Mixed and Designed by AKAKIA Publications

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No part of this publication may be reproduced, translated, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, microfilming, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission in writing of the Author and the AKAKIA Publications, at the address above.

2016, London, UK

For my mother

CHARACTERS

(in order of appearance)

Shmuel, narrator and son of Chaim

Chaim, main student of the Ari

Isaac, the Ari

Yosef Caro, teacher

Moshe Alshich, Chaim’s first teacher

Elijah, the Profet

Solomon, Ari’s father

Man A

Female Dancer A

Female Dancer B

Male Dancer A

Male Dancer B

Woman A

Servant

Uncle of Ari

Miriam, daughter of Uncle

Chana, Chai’s wife

Jacob, student

Cordovero, teacher

Mordechai, student

Avi, student

Moshe, student

Elazar, student

Samuel, student

1st customer (market)

2nd customer (market)

Shop assistant

THE ARI

General Stage Directions

Stage is divided in three parts. On far left, it is the space of SHMUEL. He sits at a desk with a Macbook. Central stage is the space of the ARI. CHAIM is situated predominantly stage right but he moves around the stage during the scenes. At the far back, there is a video wall of 72 screens. The stage is minimal and changes according to each of the scenes. The video wall defines the space and is the only realistic representation of space/time. Lighting is modern and plays a vital role. Costumes are modern. No reference to the time the ARI lived. The ARI is dressed in minimalistic costumes, fitted and very well tailored. He is in his early thirties. CHAIM is dressed similarly. SHMUEL is wearing jeans, casual shirt unbuttoned, t-shirt, trainers and glasses. CHAIM is in his late thirties. SHMUEL is in his early twenties.

THE ARI

Act I - Scene 1

ARI is central stage, bright spot light on his figure.

CHAIM is stage right and front.

SHMUEL is standing by his desk stage left. He remains at the desk area throughout the play unless stage directions indicate otherwise.

Video wall on back of stage which displays writings in Hebrew, white letters in black background.

Music starts playing, lights start moving around the stage randomly while the three main characters start moving around in circles but remain in their areas. Music stops, lights focus on the three characters.

SHMUEL:

This is a story not to be told.

CHAIM:

Shmuel, I did not instruct you for this.

ARI:

This will cause great damage to me, to you and to the world.

SHMUEL:

This is not supposed to be revealed.

ARI:

The world is not ready for this.

CHAIM:

Where did you discover these?

SHMUEL:

People need to know.

ARI:

Great damage to them.

CHAIM:

It was all concealed.

SHMUEL:

People want to know.

CHAIM:

Not this.

SHMUEL:

The world wants to know.

CHAIM:

The world is not ready for this.

SHMUEL:

The world needs to learn.

CHAIM:

Not from this.

SHMUEL:

This is not supposed to be seen.

ARI:

Great damage.

SHMUEL turns to CHAIM

SHMUEL:

Father, the greatness of your soul needs to be revealed to the world. It is time, it is necessary that I show this story to the world.

(Pause and turn to the audience. Throughout the discourse, the music has started again and is getting progressively louder.)

And I ask forgiveness from my father...

CHAIM:

God, please forgive my son.

SHMUEL:

And I ask forgiveness from the Creator.

CHAIM:

God, please forgive my son.

ARI:

This will cause great damage to me, to you and the world.

SHMUEL:

And