Standing ovation for Palestinian theatre visit

FROME Friends of Palestine recently enjoyed a visit from the Freedom Theatre of Jenin, who brought an audience to their feet with a performance of  ‘The Siege’ at the Merlin Theatre.

Members of the theatre, based in Jenin Refugee Camp in Israeli occupied Palestine, visited Frome on the last weekend in May. They spent time with local supporters, taking part in a drama workshop and football match with Frome Town under 18s.

Adam Stout, of Frome Friends of Palestine said, “We’re absolutely delighted that the show went off so well. It was such an honour for a company like the Freedom Theatre to visit our small town, so it was a thrilling moment when the packed auditorium rose to give them a standing ovation.

“A mark of respect from the people of Frome to these courageous and inspirational actors, and for the struggle of the Palestinian people to be treated as human beings in the land that was stolen from them.

“Many thanks to everyone who came to the performance and the workshop, to all the host families, to the staff and trustees of the Merlin who couldn’t have been more helpful, to Frome Town Council, the mayor Kate Bielby and the mayor for young people Cara Honey, and last but never least, to Gary Collinson and Frome Town FC under-18s for the match on Sunday morning.”

The Siege was performed at the Merlin Theatre on Saturday 30th May, as part of its international tour.

Touring the West Bank, UK, and USA later this year, the Freedom Theatre plays an important role in  enriching cultural life in Jenin camp and its surroundings, where it tries to combat apathy and hopelessness. Since The Freedom Theatre opened its doors in 2006, culture and the arts have been brought back to centre stage in the  Jenin community. To find out more go to www.thefreedomtheatre.org.