April 2002. Spring in Bethlehem. A group of armed Palestinians seek sanctuary in one of the world’s holiest sites as the Israeli army closes in with helicopters, tanks and snipers. Trapped with the fighters are priests, nuns and civilians. While the world is watching, the fighters are presented with an impossible ultimatum: exile from their homeland, or death.
The Freedom Theatre’s The Siege, previously performed to great acclaim in the West Bank and in the UK, will once again be presented to audiences in Jenin before it tours in New York later in October.
The Siege, co-directed by Nabil Al-Raee and Zoe Lafferty, is an artistic reflection on an event that is forever etched in the collective memory of Palestinians: the 39-day standoff at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem during the height of the second Intifada. While the dramatic scenes of the siege made headlines worldwide, those trapped inside the church were not heard.
The Siege is foremost a human story that focuses on six individuals and through their experiences, the production sheds light on life under lengthy military occupation. The Siege is a stark reminder to the world of the Palestinian reality. Read more about The Siege.
THE SIEGE
The Freedom Theatre, Jenin refugee camp
October 1-4 at 17:00
October 5 at 20:00
To book tickets, email: info@thefreedomtheatre.org.
Media contact, Jenin performances: Mustafa Sheta, mustafa@thefreedomtheatre.org, +970(0)569230780.
The Siege in New York
Following the five performances at The Freedom Theatre, The Siege will be presented at The Skirball Center in New York City. The Skirball Center will also curate ten post-show discussions, featuring members of the cast and crew. Information and tickets.
Media contact, NYC performances: Thomas O. Kriegsmann, ArKtype, tommy@arktype.org, 917-386-5468
