Message from the General Manager

2020 was a year unlike any other, marked by unprecedented challenges due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, alongside the ongoing realities of occupation in Jenin and Palestine. Yet, despite these hardships, The Freedom Theatre (TFT) demonstrated resilience, creativity, and commitment to our mission: to empower Palestinian voices through artistic expression and cultural resistance.

Our work continued to center on theatre, visual arts, activism, and community engagement, adapting quickly to new realities with online programming and innovative outreach. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our members, partners, volunteers, and friends worldwide, who stood with us through this difficult period.

— Mustafa Sheta, General Manager

Key Highlights of 2020

Theatre Programme

Outreach: TFT deepened its commitment to cultural resistance and education by collaborating with schools and community centers in Jericho and other areas, fostering creative writing and theatre skills among young people.

TFT Academy of Performing Arts: The professional acting school ran approximately 24 meetings (190 hours) including classes in acrobatics, music, puppetry, playback theatre, comedy, physical theatre, Shakespeare, media, contemporary dance, and more. This program empowered participants from Jenin refugee camp and wider Palestine, nurturing new theatre professionals despite COVID-19 disruptions.

The Freedom Bus: Preparatory work was undertaken with grassroots groups in the Jordan Valley for this outreach project, but the tour was postponed due to the pandemic.

Multimedia: Documentation and publicity efforts expanded significantly. Six photography workshops were delivered to adults and youth, alongside screenings of four films and hosting a cine-club. TFT’s work was widely shared on social media, maintaining our visibility and engagement.

Child & Youth Program: Theatre clubs, summer and winter camps, and workshops served children and youth with activities including movement, voice, puppetry, and literature. Despite early success, the summer camp was cut short due to rising COVID-19 cases. The newly established Women’s Theatre Club empowered girls through feminist artistic expression, supported by the Swedish Institute.

Cultural Resistance Theatre Festival

Due to pandemic restrictions, the 2020 Cultural Resistance Festival transitioned into an innovative online event, connecting audiences across Palestine and the world. Highlights included:

 

• • Performances and artistic contributions from Jerusalem, Ramallah, Nablus, Haifa, France, the UK, and the USA.

• • A new project launch, “The Revolution’s Promise”, in collaboration with Creative Destruction, calling for global participation in cultural resistance through free access to a script platform.

• • Messages of solidarity, resilience, and hope emphasizing the dual fight against occupation and the coronavirus.

Activism and Community Engagement

On World Mental Health Day, TFT raised awareness about the critical importance of mental health through cultural activities combining theatre, music, dialogue, and media. The event reinforced the theatre’s role as a platform for public health advocacy and community wellbeing.

International Workshops

TFT led a series of unique virtual workshops with artists such as Fidaa Zidan, Ahmed Tobasi, and Faisal Abu Al-Haija, focusing on monodrama, political theatre, and comedy under pressure. This international initiative maintained TFT’s global artistic connections and continued capacity building despite travel restrictions.

Hosting Performances and Partnerships

Though limited by COVID-19, TFT hosted “The Levant Labyrinth”, a performance by the Nablus Performing Arts and Circus School, highlighting ongoing cooperation with Palestinian cultural institutions.

We sustained strong partnerships locally with organizations such as Al-Kamandjâti, the Palestinian Circus School, and international partners including Creative Destruction (UK), Compagnie FOR (France), and others.

Membership and Governance

 

• • TFT maintained an active membership base of 31 members in 2019, with continued efforts to engage members as volunteers and supporters in 2020.

• • The Board of Directors, elected annually, provided vital governance and oversight throughout the year.

• • Mustafa Sheta continued to lead as General Manager, overseeing programming and operational management.

Facilities and Infrastructure

TFT operates from its main theatre, workshop, and office complex in Jenin refugee camp, including:

 

• • A 180-seat fully wheelchair-accessible theatre and cinema hall.

• • Rehearsal spaces, costume and set storage, office and meeting rooms.

• • Child-friendly activity spaces and partial cinema accessibility.

Financial Transparency

 

• • TFT’s finances are audited annually by an independent, internationally accredited auditing firm, ensuring full compliance with international financial reporting standards.

• • Funding sources include international grants, partnerships, and private donations.

• • The theatre continues to uphold strict financial and human resource procedures, ensuring accountability and transparency.

Looking Ahead

As we navigate ongoing health and political challenges, The Freedom Theatre remains committed to its vision of cultural resistance and social justice through the arts. We look forward to expanding our programs, strengthening community ties, and deepening international solidarity in 2021 and beyond.

Acknowledgements

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our members, partners, donors, volunteers, and friends around the world. Your continued belief in The Freedom Theatre’s mission fuels our creativity, courage, and hope for a free Palestine.