It is a committed performance, at a time when different groups are increasingly pitted against each other. Sem, who is Jewish himself, plays a personal role: “When it comes to the emotions that are going on now, the sadness and the misunderstanding, then I can certainly contribute a lot of myself.”
It is not the first time that the actor plays a role that is close to his own experience and background. Earlier this year he appeared on stage with the piece “Number without a name”, a monologue in which Ben Yakar takes on the role of the Jewish Efraim. The solo performance tells the story of Efraim during the Second World War, from his life at home to Auschwitz.
“I always wanted to tell a story about the Second World War, also because it is my own history, I grew up with the stories and I think it is important that we never forget that history.”
Plant a seed
Sem has a preference for stories that have an impact and that has everything to do with his own background. In addition to his Jewish roots, he also has Turkish and Moroccan family ties. “People often don’t understand, how is that possible together, Jews and Moroccans are at war? I actually think that is the most interesting reaction, because then you can make a difference. I got you!” Opponent Akalay: “Every time we play ‘Hassan and Moos’, we make young people think. We plant a seed.”