About the Theatre
Situated in the heart of Tel Aviv, the Beit Lessin Theatre, named after Baruch Ivcher, is one of the most prominent cultural institutions in Israel. From a modest cultural center in a small venue in northern Tel Aviv, Beit Lessin transformed into a remarkable success story – a groundbreaking, influential and dynamic theatre that revolutionized the Israeli theatre landscape
For the last three decades, under the leadership of Tzipi Pines, the theatre became a home for new Israeli plays and a nurturing ground for dozens of artists who create an original, vibrant and cutting-edge mosaic, reflecting the diversity of Israeli society. This melting pot of voices and perspectives finds a central stage and an opportunity to be heard at Beit Lessin.
Our eclectic repertoire continues to innovate and reinvent itself constantly – always in tune with the latest trends and developments in the international theatre scene, always fresh, relevant and up to date. From major musical productions and popular modern hits, to groundbreaking adaptations of classic masterpieces, the Beit Lessin Theatre, named after Baruch Ivcher, continues to surprise and inspire audiences.
Like West End in London and Broadway in New York, a visit to Beit Lessin is a must among the many attractions Tel Aviv offers. The theatre, located in a historic, iconic building that was fully renovated architecturally, is situated on one of the city's main streets within walking distance of the famous Dizengoff Square and the beach. The two theatre halls, designed to the highest standards, provide exceptional acoustics, advanced sound systems, and cutting edge technologies that offers a complete and immersive theatre experience. At the same time, the halls retain an intimate feel, thanks to their special design which is tailored to international theatre standards.
We believe that theatre plays a significant role in society and has the ability to lead a change, stimulate public dialogue, and enrich spiritual life. Guided by the belief that everyone has an equal right to quality cultural experiences, we consider it's our responsibility and mission to be accessible, inclusive and open to all. Special attention is given to nurturing the next generation of culture and theatre enthusiasts, as well as identifying and supporting emerging talented actors, directors, writers, and artists. The theatre's productions travel beyond its main venue, presenting shows to diverse audiences in both geographically and socially peripheries. Beit Lessin is the leading theatre in Israel in terms of the scale of performances presented in the periphery with over 850,000 spectators exposed to its productions annually.
Beit Lessin is dedicated to promoting Israeli theatrical creation and has led numerous pioneering initiatives to fulfill this mission. In 1999, Tzipi Pines launched the Playwriting School, the first of its kind in Israel to operate under the umbrella of a state repertory theater— a model later adopted by other theaters. The school, collaboration with the Stage Workshops Association, promotes diversity and a multiplicity of voices on Israeli theatre stage. The professional training and mentorship program includes the most prominent artists in the field of theatre in Israel and many writers, discovered through it, have become active contributors to Beit Lessin and other theaters.
Additionally, Tzipi Pines founded the "Open Stage" Festival, an innovative and now-established tradition managed artistically by dramaturge, Avishai Milstein. the festival provides emerging writers, directors and actors, professional guidance and a platform for experimentation. Many plays premiered at the festival, have since successfully joined the theater’s repertoire.
Beit Lessin Theatre, named after Baruch Ivcher, offers a dynamic and inspiring repertoire combined with social commitment. The theatre allocates resources to promote initiatives and targeted projects for various communities and sectors, and additionally offers enriching educational programs that expose children and teens, often for the first time, to the art of theatre. We place great importance on encouraging and promoting women within the Israeli theatre landscape, and actively creating opportunities for female actresses, directors and playwrights, as well as in the fields of production and administrative leadership.
In a multicultural society like Israel, cultural diversity is a vital value encompassing tolerance, equality and social responsibility. This value is at the heart of the theatrical work at Beit Lessin, based on the belief that reflecting a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, opinions not only enriches society, but also serves as a fertile ground for creativity and innovation, and helps build bridges that connect people.
