Help Fund My Play Set in East Jerusalem

We are fundraising to share this play in a theatre and libraries in Manchester in 2022.

 

Set in a Bookshop in occupied East Jerusalem about an unequal relationship between two women. Explores the magic of books, erasure of history & the Palestinian struggle against occupation.

 

My play hopes to start a conversation about one of the most intractable occupations in our living history. As a Jewish writer whose parents’ and grand- parents’ trauma of persecution was passed down to me (my grandparents were Holocaust survivors and my parents were exiled from Poland in 1968).

 

I believe a sensitivity to where we have been is vital and not a justification to further perpetuate more persecution. It should not be a way to censor free speech with claims of anti-Semitism that stops criticism of Israel and allow a country to commit human rights abuses. This is also about my own self- preservation as a Jewish person where my identity is now being tied up with the actions of a state I don’t agree with. Instead of a history and identity I am proud of which is about fighting against injustice with stories of bravery and survival.

 

In 2021 we had a successful sharing at CONTACT theatre, with wonderful feedback and have felt an increased appetite for conversation around this subject.

 

Some feedback from 2021 sharing:

 

'As someone ashamedly uneducated on the subject matter, i found the reading incredibly insightful and relatable through genuine human temperament and compassion.'

 

'I can't wait for the final finished piece'

 

'Very emotional as a Palestinian myself. Was crying most of the play for various reasons. The actors were so real'.

 

'incredible. Incredible acting. Nuanced. Funny. Poignant. Fierce. Tender. So moving'.

 

'I felt hope as a Palestinian myself'.

 

'I took away: 'the common humanity when you peel back the layers.'

 

'Overall I thought this was a really good and important piece of work set in a well-known conflict zone and the complex human situation contained within it- its global history and reach. I think the arts world often shies away from this subject matter so really good to see this. Thank you'

 

'My understanding of Israeli people was challenged. My understanding of resistance was challenged and has shifted.'

 

'The humour and pathos was finely balanced There were moments that really moved me near to tears where the two women made genuine, moving and believable connections.'

 

 

 

Produced by Outside the Frame Arts & HER Productions