In 1969, Israeli journalist, lyricist, singer and later right-wing Knesset member Akiva Nof had a rare encounter with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, who were staying at the Hilton Hotel in Amsterdam for their “BED-IN” demonstration for world peace. Nof, in pajamas, got into bed with Lennon and Ono and recorded an interview in which they detailed their views on peace, the hippie movement, God, and love. The play “Double Fantasy” (named after John and Yoko’s album) is based on a reenactment of the interview, which takes place again in a hotel room bed. The royal couple is portrayed by David Maayan and Smadar Yaaron – former partners and creators with mythological status, essentially the John and Yoko of the Israeli fringe; together they founded the Acco Theater Center, focusing on Jewish-Arab cooperation, communal fostering of culture and critical examination of Israeli narratives and ideals. Maayan later on moved to live and work in Vienna, while Yaaron still creates in Acco and runs the theater. In this re-enactment, the young Akiva Nof is played by today’s Akiva Nof, now 89 years old. During one hour, the past and present blend together.
