REHEARSING THE FUTURE/CULTURAL RESISTANCE

New York and Palestine (2022-2024)

CULTURAL RESISTANCE

NEW YORK (2023-2024)

“Cultural Resistance” documents how U.S.-based artists are mobilizing in response to the ongoing violence in Gaza, using their creative practices as tools for solidarity, visibility, and public pressure. Through theatre, puppetry, film, music, and dance, these artists transform grief and outrage into collective action, crafting performances and public interventions that challenge narratives, demand accountability, and insist on Palestinian humanity. The photo story captures intimate moments of creation, protest, and community, revealing how artistic practice becomes both a refuge and a catalyst for political engagement.

REHEARSING THE FUTURE

PALESTINE (2022)

"Rehearsing the Future" features the ASHTAR Theatre in Ramallah, Palestine. Founded in 1991 by Palestinian actors Iman Aoun and Edward Muallem, ASHTAR Theatre is the oldest youth theatre in the West Bank. Their bi-annual ASHTAR International Youth Theatre Festival brings together young people from across the world to participate in collaborative theatre-making and performances with the intention of creating systemic change. These photos were made during rehearsals and workshops for the 2022 ASHTAR International Youth Theatre and features young artists and theatre companies from the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Jordan, Syria, Gaza, and across the West Bank. “I always say that one of the things we want to create, if we do not create theatre makers, we create professional citizens,” remarks Iman Aoun, ASHTAR Theatre Artistic Director.

GRANTS AND SUPPORT

This project was supported by funding from The Puffin Foundation and CUNY Graduate Center’s DSRG Grant.

Images from this project have appeared in +972 Magazine, The Indypendent, The Advocate, HowlRound Theatre Commons and Extended Play.