Born in Bethlehem by Al-Harah Theatre (Palestine)
A unique opportunity to see Palestinian theatre in UK.
'Born in Bethlehem' is a new piece of work devised by Al-Harah, themselves based in Beit Jala, close to Bethlehem. The play takes the form of a guided tour through Bethlehem, with the audience as the sight-seers. The tour includes a performance of the Nativity story. But the characters of Mary and Joseph soon encounter all the problems of present day Palestinians: the dividing wall and security checks.
Al-Harah Theatre has the experience of producing shows for adults, young people and children, community work and numerous international tours from New York to Japan. They bring an unusual scenic minimalism in their approach to theatre making, partly because of the conditions they have to work under. However, every word and gesture matters. The most refreshing thing about Born in Bethlehem is that it isn't a political pamphlet; it depicts the global problem of Palestinians through the eyes of ordinary people who just happen to be Palestinian. Their stories of life under occupation are absurd as they are touching. An hour for everyone who wants to watch, feel, learn and most importantly – think.
Born in Bethlehem is performed in English. It will be touring the UK 19 April-9 May 2008.
For more information contact Milan Govedarica: milan.govedarica@gmail.com
Leeds (sold out) Friday 18 April 7pm
Hosted by School of PCI, Leeds University and West Yorkshire Playhouse
School of Performance and Cultural Industries
Leeds University, Leeds LS2 9JT
Information: 0113 343 8725
Manchester Saturday 19 April 8pm £10 (concs £6)
Contact, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6JA
Box Office: 0161 274 0600
York Tuesday 22 – Thursday 24 April 7.45pm £10 (concs £5)
York Theatre Royal, St Leonard's Place, York, YO1 7HD
Box Office: (01904) 623568
London Saturday 26 – Tuesday 29 April 7.30pm £10 (concs £7)
Tara Studio, 356 Garratt Lane, London, SW18 4ES
Box Office: 0208 333 4457 www.tara-arts.com or www.ticketweb.co.uk
Plymouth Thursday 1 – Friday 2 May 7.30pm £5 (concs £3.5)
Desmond Tutu Centre, University College Plymouth St Mark & St John, Derriford Road, Plymouth PL6 8BH
Box Office: 01752 636700 www.marjon.ac.uk
Great Torrington (Devon ) Saturday May 3, 8.30pm
The Plough Arts Centre
9-11 Fore Street
Great Torrington
Devon EX38 8HQ
Box Office: 01805 624624 http://www.plough-arts.org/
Mold (North Wales) Thursday 8 May 7.45pm £9 (concs £7)
Emlyn William Theatre at Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold
Box Office: 0845 330 3565 www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk