World’s First Deaf-Blind Acting Group, Nalaga’at, in Tel Aviv

The “Nalaga’at” Center in Tel Aviv’s Old Jaffa port is the world’s only professional deaf-blind acting ensemble. 11 actors are part of the theater, most of them suffering from a genetic disorder called Usher syndrome, which results in acute deafness at birth and gradual loss of vision.

Nalaga’at means “Do Touch” in Hebrew. Since the actors are blind and deaf, the way they communicate is by touch. This nonprofit organization was founded to integrate deaf-blind people into the community, allowing them to express themselves creatively. In addition to its theatrical ensemble, the center also boasts two fantastic cafes: Café Kapish, run completely by deaf waiters, and the popular BlackOut, a pitch-black restaurant with blind waiters, where patrons read the menu in advance and call upon their waiters with the use of a bell.

Adina Tal founded Nalaga’at in 2002, when a social club for deaf-blind people approached her and asked her to set up a drama class for its members. This inspired her to establish this life-changing organization.

The actors styles are each unique, since they can’t see or hear each other. For example, if you ask them to mime eating grapes, you get 11 entirely different ways of eating grapes. That wouldn’t happen with actors who have the ability to see.

After a year of practice with the help of personal tactile-sign language interpreters, the first show was born: “Light is Heard in Zig Zag.” They performed at the Israeli Parliament, in Canada, and even at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva.

Following this success, the center opened its gates to the public in 2007. Their second, and most successful play, entitled “Not by Bread Alone”. This play was performed in Israel and at a London drama festival, with extremely positive critiques.

Nalaga’at Center Today

Nalaga’at has aimed not only to provide a workplace for the deaf-blind but also to provide them with a place where they feel at home and can communicate daily with Israeli society.

Aside from the search for a unique “theatrical language,” Nalaga’at hopes its actions will increase awareness of deaf-blind people’s needs in Israel and the rest of the world.

The Nalaga’at Centre hopes to serve as a national and international learning center, and as a role model for the integration of handicapped people in society as equal citizens. In the future, Nalaga’at plans to develop various types of rehabilitation programs and to open other Nalaga’at Centers around the world. For more details, be sure to check out the official Nalagaat Center website.

Israel is truly a remarkable, inclusive country with many incredible sites to see. After visiting the impressive Nalagaat center, we recommend exploring Tel Aviv on our Best of Tel Aviv, Jaffa & Carmel Market Day Tour. Admire marvelous views, discover fascinating history across the city, treat yourself to mouthwatering street food at the bustling Carmel Market, and more. In order to easily see all of Israel’s iconic landmarks and regions, join one of our Israel Package Tours. We’ll plan your seamless transfers, exciting activities, expert tour guides, and beautiful hotels, allowing you to have a stress-free, enjoyable experience.

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