Following five-star rave reviews in London, For A Palestinian is heading to Bristol to wow audiences with the moving theatre show. Described as ‘astonishingly powerful’, this performance by co-writer Bilal Hasna, who is the star of the upcoming Disney+ series Extraordinary is produced by WoLab, and was co-written and directed by Aaron Kilercioglu. For A Palestinian is supported by P21 Gallery, Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Na’amod, Bristol Palestine Museum and Cultural Centre, and New Diorama Theatre.
For a Palestinian
“I mean it’s in our blood, us Arabs love a good love story.”
Bilal has always been obsessed with love stories. Here he tells you his favourite: the true story of Palestinian translator Wa’el Zuaiter. Join Bilal as he ventures through the orange groves of Jaffa, Rome’s piazzas, and the Duty-Free aisles of Luton Airport, piecing together this untold story, and asking what it means to be a Palestinian in the West.
For A Palestinian is:
Written by Bilal Hasna and Aaron Kilercioglu
Directed by Aaron Kilercioglu
Produced by Alistair Wilkinson
Performed by Bilal Hasna
Lighting Design by Ros Chase
PR by Chloé Nelkin Consulting
Graphic Design by Ciaran Walsh
Who was Wa’el Zuaiter?
The protagonist of the story, Wa’el Zuaiter was a Palestinian translator who was assassinated in Rome as the first target of Israel’s Operation Wrath of God campaign following the 1972 Munich massacre that killed 11 Israeli Olympic athletes. Considered a terrorist by Mossad for allegedly being linked to the Black September group, Zuaiter’s supporters have maintained his innocence since his death, and assert that his character was ‘energetically’ against political violence.
Steven Spielberg’s 2005 film Munich is a historical drama that covers the Mossad mission to assassinate the 11 Palestinians who were allegedly involved in the Munch massacre. Mixed reviews at the time included five Oscar nominations, some contrasting negative reviews, but ultimately gave way to an underlying consensus that the film “asked difficult questions” and opened a dialogue to “make the inarguable into the debatable”.
London reviews of For A Palestinian
A flurry of five-star reviews have surrounded the show from the London performances, with many noting how powerful, emotive, and political the content and performances are.
“An astonishingly powerful play with a mesmeric performance from Bilal Hasna. He is an important young Palestinian voice who deserves a wide audience.”
– Palestine Solidarity Campaign
“Beautifully interwoven with a beguiling mixture of humour and political passion.”
– The Theatre Times
“Skilfully interweaves politics, the two personal stories and the many voices.”
– British Theatre Guide
Useful information about the show
- Venue: The Weston Studio
- £8 Open Concession | £12 Standard | £20 Pay it Forward | Save up to 25% with the new Studio Multi-Buy Offer
- 75 mins
- Ages 12+
- Contains mentions of racism, violence, death
For A Palestinian is at Bristol Old Vic on Thursday 13th October, Friday 14th October, and Saturday 15thOctober with performances at 8pm.
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