Mar 16 • 08:00 UTC 🇦🇷 Argentina Clarin (ES)

"I was raised to serve a husband": how to reverse a story of mandates, marriage, and divorce through humor

A 23-year-old woman, pressured by her Jewish family, chose to marry her boyfriend only to later reveal she sought freedom and self-identity away from familial rules.

Lea Bensasson, a 57-year-old Uruguayan actress, recounts her journey of navigating family expectations and personal desires in her show "Mi Gran Casamiento Hebreo." At the age of 23, under pressure from her Jewish family, she married her boyfriend, believing it would provide the freedom she craved. Instead, the marriage turned out to be a reflection of the traditional roles imposed upon her, and, unsurprisingly, it ended in divorce. In an effort to illustrate her story, Bensasson combines humor and music, aiming to offer a comedic lens on the customs and mandates prevalent in Jewish life. Her show serves as a form of autofiction, celebrating resilience and the spirit of women like her who have struggled with societal expectations. Through laughter, she honors both her personal narrative and the collective experiences of women within the Jewish community. The humorous yet poignant depiction of her experiences sheds light on the broader implications of such traditional mandates on women's lives. Bensasson’s performance not only entertains but also prompts reflection on the intricate balance between tradition and personal freedom, making it a significant commentary in contemporary discussions about gender roles in marriage and family.

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