Palestinian Storytelling Amidst Occupation: A Look at Bravery and Resilience

Strategic Insights -

Palestinian civilians have been enduring the brutality of the Israeli occupation for many decades. Writer and comedian Alaa Shehada brings light to this issue in his production, which takes us back to his rambunctious childhood in Jenin, moving through the decades in picaresque strides. The story revolves around Shehada's inseparable friendship with Ahmed, a model horse symbolizing freedom, and the impact of the Israeli occupation on their lives. With a tone that is bouncy, droll, and warm, the production artfully directed by Katrien van Beurden and Thomas van Ouwerkerk weaves the parallels between the past and present, highlighting the never-ending violent circularity.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Israeli occupation has been brutal and has affected Palestinian civilians for many decades, with Shehada's production shedding light on this issue.
  • The story revolves around Shehada's friendship with Ahmed, which symbolizes the resilience and innocence of Palestinian civilians in the face of occupation.
  • The model horse, a gift from Shehada's grandfather, represents freedom and is a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by Palestinians.
  • The production uses humor to convey the harsh realities of life under occupation, with Shehada cracking jokes and using commedia dell'arte masks and mime to convey the struggle.
  • The parallels between the past and present occupation are alarming, with the destruction of the model horse serving as a gut-punch, highlighting the ongoing violence against Palestinian civilians.
  • The production highlights the resilience of Palestinian civilians, who continue to find joy and storytelling in the midst of horror.

Statistics:

  • 25 August is the last day of the production at Pleasance Dome, Edinburgh.
  • The Israeli army is accused of shooting at children, according to reports rejected by the IDF.
  • The alternate years production, which tells the story of Rachel Corrie, Nowhere, and Balfour Reparations, is a part of this year's fringe festival.
  • 2002 Israeli invasion is mentioned, and the five-metre horse was built by a German artist using the rubble of the invasion.

Sources:

  • Alaa Shehada, writer and comedian, Pleasance Dome, Edinburgh, until 25 August.
  • Katrien van Beurden and Thomas van Ouwerkerk, directors, Pleasance Dome, Edinburgh, until 25 August.
  • *All our Edinburgh festival reviews* by Arifa Akbar, The Guardian.