Faris' Physical Theatre Fund

Hi, my name is Faris Saleh.
I am 24 years old and I live in Palestine.

As a child I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, but I could never see an answer.
My life changed when I started acting.
I studied Acting at the Drama Academy Ramallah and finished my Diploma in 2014.
Due to my studies, I became hyper-aware about the situation around me and felt the need to express myself, and change my perception of the world.
Since my graduation, I worked both in theatre productions, on screen and as an assistant teacher of Acrobatics in the Drama Academy-Ramallah.

I had the opportunity to visit Germany and work and perform at the Folkwang University of Arts on some occasions, and through those developments, working with the body became my special field.
I found my own way of understanding acting and began to believe in a theatre that connects body language with text.
However, I also understood that I need to learn more.

I am one of many artists in Palestine and am very thankful for the opportunity to study the art of acting.
But I reached the limit of what studies are offered here.
If I want to continue and learn more I have to study abroad. I want to transfer the techniques that I can learn abroad into my Palestinian culture and teach them to young actors. I want to change and dissolve the limits that are given here.

I want to combine the techniques and tools that I'll learn in Germany with the ways of acting I learned in Palestine. Learning to use the body as an expression of myself and my acting I want to build a bridge between my culture and the artistic forms from outside. Exploring new ways to start a cultural innovation and to increase the level of Palestinian theatre and performers.

In February 2016, I passed the audition and was accepted into the Folkwang University in Essen. Only 6 people out of over 70 applicants from all over the world were chosen. And I was one of them.

This made the fact that I couldn`t join the class this year because of a missing visa and financial problems even worse.
I was crushed when I had to come back to Palestine and watch my "classmates" pursue their lessons without me.
I thought about letting go and continuing with the means I have in Palestine, even though I already knew that this wouldn't be enough for me.

But my wish to study Physical Theatre was too strong. My family, friends and the teachers of the University did everything to help me pursue my dream. I was absolutely ecstatic when I got the news that the University decided to offer me a place in the next class, starting in April 2017.
This gives me enough time to receive a visa and start to learn the German language.

But now, I need your help to finance my dream. As one of eight children, I can't rely on my family to help me with that.

I can't offer a reward or perks for your donations; I can only offer my deep gratitude for each and everyone who helps me. I'm highly motivated to work hard and learn to give something back to my home country and my people. I know that it might be hard to imagine but even the smallest contribution helps me a lot.

If you want to know more about me or stay in contact please write me a message. I'd be happy to hear directly from you. Please help me and spread this campaign to your friends and contacts.

Thank you very much!

Yours,



Faris