House and Home in Mizrahi Theater Spatial Perspectives

This article examines the relationship between physical space and cultural identity in three Mizrahi theater companies in Israel: the Frechot Ensemble, the Shachar Theatre, and the Dimona Theatre. Drawing on the concepts of ‘house’ and ‘home’, where house denotes the physical theater building and home signifies belonging and com-munity, it explores how these companies negotiate the tension between permanent and temporary performance spaces. Because Mizrahi theater foregrounds ethnic identity and historical narratives often marginal-ized within mainstream Israeli theater, the presence—or absence—of a permanent venue plays a crucial role in shaping artistic identity and audience engagement. Focusing on companies that operate outside the mainstream and frequently lack the resources to maintain permanent fa-cilities, the article investigates how they cultivate a sense of home within their local communities. It argues that theatrical space is not merely a physical setting but an active component in constructing cultural iden-tity, community belonging, and the social mission of Mizrahi theater.