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Rovina, Hannah (1892-1980)
Actress
Hannah Rovina, known as "the First Lady of Israeli Theater," was born
in Russia and trained as a kindergarten teacher. In 1917 she joined a
Hebrew theatrical studio in Moscow, which was to form the basis of Habimah,
and thus became one of Habimah's founding members. Her role as Leah in
An-ski's The Dybbuk in 1922 earned her a reputation as a leading actress,
renown which increased as she toured Europe and the United States with
Habimah.
Rovina moved to Eretz Yisrael in 1928 and her work in the theater established
her reputation as Israel's leading actress. A picture of her from The
Dybbuk became one of Habimah's key publicity photos. Known for her deep
voice, regal carriage, and impressive performances, she was famous in
the international theater community as well. Her range of performances
spanned Hebrew productions, Shakespeare, and classical plays. Memorable
roles by Rovina also include several mothers, as in the mother of the
Messiah in Pinsky's The Eternal Jew; the title role of Brecht's Mother
Courage; and Jocasta in Sophocles' Oedipus the King.
Rovina was awarded the Israel Prize in 1956 for her contribution to
Israeli theater.
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