PHOTOS: The story of Nabi Saleh, performed by ‘The Freedom Theatre’

Activestills By Activestills May 5, 2013 | Edit

Through the eyes of a Palestinian child, members of Jenin’s Freedom Theatre perform the story of popular struggle in Nabi Saleh.

Text and photos by Keren Manor/Activestills.org

PHOTOS: The story of Nabi Saleh, performed by 'The Freedom Theatre'
Members of “The Freedom Theatre” perform a scene about the spring that was confiscated by the settlers of the nearby illegal settlement of “Halamish.” In December 2009, the residents of Nabi Saleh and the neighboring village of Dier Nidham started demonstrations against confiscations of their land by the Israeli army and settlers. The protests have continued to take place every week since then.

On Saturday, May 4, 2013, members of “The Freedom Theatre” performed a play based on stories and testimonies from children of the West Bank village of Nabi Saleh. The play tells the story of the village’s resistance, through the eyes of a young Palestinian child. The first show was performed in the village’s cultural center. The performance was dedicated to Mustafa and Rushdi Tamimi, two Palestinians from Nabi Saleh who were shot to death by Israeli soldiers during demonstrations against the occupation.

PHOTOS: The story of Nabi Saleh, performed by 'The Freedom Theatre'
An actor plays a Palestinian child, telling the story of his village.

 

PHOTOS: The story of Nabi Saleh, performed by 'The Freedom Theatre'
Actors during the play.

 

PHOTOS: The story of Nabi Saleh, performed by 'The Freedom Theatre'
A scene portraying Israeli soldiers raiding the house of a Palestinian family in the village.

 

PHOTOS: The story of Nabi Saleh, performed by 'The Freedom Theatre'

 

PHOTOS: The story of Nabi Saleh, performed by 'The Freedom Theatre'
Children from the village watch the play.

 

PHOTOS: The story of Nabi Saleh, performed by 'The Freedom Theatre'
A scene portraying the death of Mustafa Tamimi. Mustafa was shot in the face at close range with a tear gas canister by Israeli soldiers on December 9, 2011.

 

PHOTOS: The story of Nabi Saleh, performed by 'The Freedom Theatre'
Members of “The Freedom Theater” improvising a scene with a Palestinian girl telling her story during a play.

 

PHOTOS: The story of Nabi Saleh, performed by 'The Freedom Theatre'
The audience applauds the “Freedom Theater” actors at the end of the play.
Activestills

Activestills is a collective of Israeli, Palestinian, and international photographers, united by a conviction that photography is a vehicle for political and social change. We believe in the power of images to shape public attitudes and to raise awareness on issues that are generally absent from public discourse. We view ourselves as part of the struggle against all forms of oppression, racism, and violations of the basic right to freedom. Our images are frequently published by many leading human rights, development, and advocacy agencies, as well as by alternative and leading news media. To stay updated on our latest images, like Activestills on Facebook or visit our Flickr photostream.

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