Opening of The Freedom Theatre

Opening of The Freedom Theatre
February 14, 2006
husamkaloti by husamkaloti

Jenin Refugee Camp
Sunday, February 19, 2006 | 15:00

The Freedom Theatre was founded in Jenin Refugee Camp in February 2006, inspired by the groundbreaking cultural and educational work initiated by Arna Mer-Khamis during the first Intifada.
The theatre was established by residents of the camp in collaboration with Palestinian artists and activists from Haifa and the Galilee, alongside international activists from Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Registered as a non-governmental organization, The Freedom Theatre was conceived as a community-based cultural center, rooted in the belief that artistic expression is a vital form of resistance, healing, and collective imagination.

Vision and Facilities

The Freedom Theatre aims to establish a permanent cultural center that will include:

  • A large theatre hall

  • Rehearsal and training spaces

  • A music studio

  • A public library

The theatre will serve as the home of a local theatre ensemble and host Palestinian and international productions for children, youth, and adult audiences.

Programs and Activities

The Freedom Theatre is committed to developing long-term cultural and educational programs, including:

  • Drama and movement workshops for children and youth

  • Music education programs

  • Training for youth counselors working within the camp

  • Psychodrama and movement-based therapeutic practices

At the time of its opening, The Freedom Theatre was operating from a temporary hall, renovated by volunteers from the Jenin refugee camp. The space included a theatre stage equipped with lighting and sound systems, enabling full-scale performances despite limited resources.

Upcoming Productions (2006)

In the months following its opening, The Freedom Theatre hosted and planned to host several significant productions, including:

  • The Pessoptimist, featuring actor Mohammed Bakri

  • Juha and Bahalool, a children’s production by the G’beina Theatre Group (Haifa)

  • Shams and Nahas, featuring Hanna Shamas and Aiman Nahhas

Alongside performances, three children’s theatre groups began their activities, in addition to:

  • A youth drama workshop led by Mahmod Kaniri

  • A youth facilitation training program led by Juliano Mer-Khamis

Founders and Advisory Committee

The Freedom Theatre was founded by Juliano Mer-Khamis, Zakaria Zubeidi, and Jonatan Stanczak, with assistance from Jacob Gough.

The theatre was supported by an international advisory committee that included prominent cultural, academic, and human rights figures, among them:

Mahmoud Darwish, Judith Butler, Elias Khoury, Noam Chomsky, Avi Oz, Mohammad Bakri, Henry Ascher, Abeer Kopty, Khulood Badawi, Nazmi Iebadi, San’a Badawi, Salwa Nakkara, Suzanne Osten, and Dror Feiler.

Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony featured speeches by:

  • Abd el-Razak Abu Alheja, Head of the Jenin Refugee Camp Committee

  • Nazmi Mohammad Salem Abadi, Head of Social Services, Jenin Refugee Camp

  • Qadura Mousa, Governor of the Jenin Region

  • Juliano Mer-Khamis

  • Dror Feiler, composer

The ceremony was followed by a performance of Diab, generously donated by its creators.
Diab was written by Alaa Helhel, directed by Salim Daw, performed by Amer Hlihel, with music by Habib Shehade, set and costume design by Ashraf Hanna, and lighting by Ne’eme Zaknoon.

Solidarity and Support

On March 19, 2006, The Freedom Theatre hosted a fundraising event in Haifa, highlighted by a performance of Shukran, also donated by its creators.

The Freedom Theatre called upon organizations, NGOs, cultural institutions, and activists to support the project through donations, equipment, and professional guidance.
All contributions, large or small, were, and remain, deeply valued.