February 25–26, 2017

Written by Ken Kaissar
Directed by Michael Malek Najjar

Jadi and Bassee live peacefully in an idyllic garden, except that the garden’s alleged owner comes to beat them every day. Jewish American writer David travels to Israel to better understand the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and is soon mired in the cycles of violence and compassion that haunt everyday life. The Victims weaves together disparate styles and stories to dig into the parallel and often contradictory narratives of Palestinian and Israeli histories.

Performed as part of Semitic Commonwealth

February 24–25, 2017

Written by Mona Mansour
Directed by Anna C. Bahow

What do you do when the only way to live is to leave?

Jamila, a studious 17-year-old Palestinian growing up in a refugee camp in southern Lebanon, feverishly prepares for the university exam that is her only way out of the impoverished world she calls home. Urge for Going offers a variety of personalities and perspectives in a searing and funny family story.

Performed as part of Semitic Commonwealth

February 18–19, 2017

Written by Ismail Khalidi
Directed by Michael Malek Najjar

Set in Nablus in the spring of 1939, Tennis in Nablus brings to life the last days of the Arab Revolt as the people of Palestine make one final attempt to drive out the British. With deep passion and bold humor, it is a genre-bending look at Palestine's embattled status through the eyes of an unflagging rebel, a tireless polemicist, and an ambitious entrepreneur. With their world igniting around them, this divided family faces their own demons as they seek to achieve peace, freedom, and dignity.

Performed as part of Semitic Commonwealth

February 17–18, 2017

Written by Zohar Tirosh-Polk
Directed by Jonathan L. Green

Sonya writes a goodbye letter; Morris makes one fatal decision; Sheila clings and doesn’t let go; and the band rocks on. From Poland to Palestine to Israel and then to the U.S., The Zionists asks: Where is home? What is home? At what price? Who is Herzl? And, most importantly, what’s in the box?

Performed as part of Semitic Commonwealth

February 11–12, 2017

Written by Motti Lerner
Directed by Michael Malek Najjar

The Admission is a political drama about the conflicting narratives of the 1948 war. Some called it a war of independence and some called it a catastrophe. Forty years later, a proposal to build on the site of a battle digs up family secrets and stirs tensions between two families, one Jewish and one Palestinian. This work of historical fiction asks how we can move forward toward peace while still wrestling with the ghosts of war. 

Performed as part of Semitic Commonwealth

February 10–11, 2017

Written by Hannah Khalil
Directed by Jess McLeod

A picnic interrupted by soldiers. Sunbathing in the shadow of a tank. Life can be unpredictable under occupation.

Told with typical Palestinian black humour, Scenes from 69* Years is an epic snapshot of life in Palestine, then and now. Forget suicide belts and stone-hurling youth—here the real human story is revealed: the dreams, humor, sadness, and obstacles of daily life in the shadow of the ‘separation wall.’ 

Performed as part of Semitic Commonwealth