One of The Freedom Theatre’s most recent successes, The Island, is soon to be performed in English. The Island is a revolutionary South African apartheid-era drama, inspired by a true story. The Island is set in a prison and revolves around two cellmates: one who is soon to be released while the other is serving a life sentence. They spend their days at mind-numbing physical labour and at night rehearse for a performance of Sophocles’ Antigone. Antigone, who defies the laws of the state to follow her conscience, and her uncle who sentences her to die for her crime. Is Antigone guilty? Who decides?
The Freedom Theatre’s adaptation of the original play, by Athol Fugard, John Kani and Winston Ntshona, reflects the experiences of Palestinian political prisoners and the abuses within the Israeli prison system. The play also highlights the parallels between apartheid South Africa and Palestine today. The separation, the denial of basic human and political rights, the discrimination and oppression that is evident in countless aspects of daily life.
After performing to sold-out houses at The Freedom Theatre in Jenin Refugee Camp, the cast and crew of The Island are preparing for a tour in the autumn. The ensemble is currently working hard to adapt the play once more, to be performed in English.
Thursday, June 27 at 5pm there will be a work in progress presentation of The Island – the English version. The presentation will take place at The Freedom Theatre’s Jenin Centre and will be an invite-only event.
Read more about The Island
The Island is supported by Sida, as part of the PAN program, and the Swedish Postcode Lottery.