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Yaron Barzilay is a philosopher with a zest for life, cats and his wife. He talks to iTALK about New Acropolis's aim to spread humanity
Talking about Mystery Theatre in Greece wouldn't come easy to most people. But for Yaron Barzilay, director of the New Acropolis, a school of philosophy in the classical tradition, it's like talking about life itself. "Greek theatre wasn't for entertainment. It was an obligation to go to the theatre. You were supposed to change the way you lived after you saw a piece of theatre," says the 35 year-old, who released The Mystery Theatre In Greece: Tragedy, a book by the father of New Acropolis Jorge Angel Livraga, this Friday at the organisation's Gamdevi office.
This is not a job
The philosopher, who opened the Mumbai branch of New Acropolis two years ago, now plans to make India his home. This organisation that aims to promote philosophy in India, is a passion for Yaron and his wife. Though Yaron works at the International Diamond Exchange by day "for the money", he spends his evenings trying to spread the message of philosophy at his home-cum-office.
"In America, there is a sign that says, 'This is the land of opportunities'. But when I came to India 12 years ago as a tourist, I felt that statement was only true for India. This is one place where you can be who you are," he says, looking consciously at the camera. "I don't take good pictures. My wife gets upset because of that."
Yaron's wife Sivan, is a veterinarian and teacher, who he met while studying at the New Acropolis in Israel. "We have settled down well in India. We spend our time talking about philosophy and playing with our three cats," he says. "It's a lot like Israel, where you can start a conversation with the person sitting next to you at a restaurant. There isn't much distance between people here."
It's good to wonder
Along with conducting lectures, Yaron and Sivan are trying to teach the diktats of philosophy through movie screenings and exhibitions. "Plato says people who are interested in philosophy, are the ones who wonder. They wonder about the deeper meaning of life. It's all about being human. It has nothing to do with religion," he smiles looking at his mobile, vibrating to the tune of Tujhe Dekha To Yeh Jana Sanam.
"I had heard this song as a teenager, and I fell in love with it. It never left me. So when I came back, I had to have it," he grins shyly. As we bid adieu, he gives us one last lesson in philosophy, "It is very simple. It's about being a knight or a lady. It's about being human. It's about living."
For Video:- http://www.mid-day.com/news/2008/nov/101108-Yaron-Barzilay-a-philosopher-talks-about-New-Acropolis-aim-to-spread-humanity.htm
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