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Rovina,
"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 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 Israel 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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