Yafit Josephson is an actress with pure talent who not only performs in the one-woman show, New Eyes, at the Whitefire Theatre in Sherman Oaks, but also co-wrote this wonderful true story with Suzanne Bressler. It is Yafit’s own story that begins with the time when she was a young woman in Israel serving her time in the Israeli Army.

After serving her two years, she decides to pursue her dream of becoming an actress and moves to Los Angeles. Does this prove to be a good move or does she find herself disheartened by the roles that she is offered? She seems always to be cast as a Middle Eastern villain which isn’t what she left her homeland to pursue.

Through her trials and tribulations, Yafit learns to explore her identity, self-esteem, and cultural differences, eventually having to decide whether or not to compromise herself as she sees the world and the world sees her through New Eyes.

Directed by Sammie Wayne, Yafit’s performance is absolutely overpowering as she portrays over eighteen characters from over five countries, how she changes characters, accents and personas; it is as if one is watching eighteen different people. Her story is extremely fascinating, well-written and performed in a most attention-grabbing manner. She is a woman with a true spirit.

Performances of New Eyes will run Thursdays and Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 3 PM, through Sunday, February 13, at the Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks. Tickets are available online at www.plays411.com/neweyes, or by calling (323) 960-7712.

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