The Freedom Theatre Production (2009)
Production Highlights:
- First international tour by TFT youth ensemble “Dragons”
- Performed in Paris, Toulouse, and Nantes, France (April 2009)
- Engaging Palestinian children and youth from Jenin in a transformative theatre experience
- Supported by Friends of The Freedom Theatre – ATL Jénine (France) and Foumonde
Genre: Youth Theatre / Community Theatre / Political Allegory
Language: Arabic (with French surtitles for international audiences)
Synopsis / Overview:
The Magic Flute is reimagined by The Freedom Theatre as a Palestinian youth theatre production. Inspired by universal folkloric motifs, the play uses music, storytelling, and ensemble performance to explore themes of freedom, imagination, and collective action. Palestinian children from Jenin and its refugee camp bring the story to life, transforming a classic narrative into a celebration of resilience and cultural resistance.
Why Watch the Play:
- Witness the creativity and courage of Palestinian youth in a refugee camp context
- Experience a unique adaptation that merges folklore, theatre, and social empowerment
- Discover a production that links local storytelling with an international stage
Cast & Creative Team:
- Director: Nabeel Al Raee
- Produced by: The Freedom Theatre (2009)
- Ensemble / Performers: Children from Jenin, including:
- Awsam Wahdan
- Manar Jamil Tubasi
- Mahdi Marwan Al-Sous
- Bisan Mohammed Stiti
- Na’ila Radwan Abu Rab
- Suha Bassam Abu Atiya
- Samer Ahmed Al-Absi
- Adel Mohammed Masarwa
- Narmin Farouq Lahlooh
- Costume Design: Rami Al-Ardah
- Lighting & Sound: Mohammed Al-Haaj Ahmed
- Translation: Yahya Al-Sheikh, Abir Qaisi, Adeeb Mahmoud, Michel Waknin
- Filming & Editing: Antoine Gerard & Franck Mira
Director’s Note / Artistic Vision:
Through this production, Nabeel Al Raee reinterprets The Magic Flute as a vehicle for empowerment. Music and performance become metaphors for voice and freedom, allowing young Palestinians to creatively navigate the social and political realities of Jenin. The play celebrates collaboration, imagination, and resilience while offering a platform for youth to express themselves on both a local and international stage.
Performance History:
- April 28, 2009 – Paris, France (with introductory speeches by Jean-Guy Greilsamer, ATL Jénine; Jacques Boutault, Mayor of Paris 2e; Peter Brook, acclaimed theatre director; Adeeb Mahmoud, performer)
- Toulouse, France – dates April 2009
- Nantes, France – dates April 2009
Partners & Support:
- Friends of The Freedom Theatre – ATL Jénine, France
- Foumonde (video documentation and media coverage)
Community & Cultural Impact:
- Engaged Palestinian children in a professional, collaborative theatre project
- Strengthened the international presence of The Freedom Theatre
- Highlighted Palestinian narratives on global stages, promoting cultural understanding and solidarity
Duration: Approximately 10 minutes
Media / Watch Online:
- La Flûte Magique – Paris 2009 (Video highlights, Foumonde)
🎬 Watch on Foumonde