Theatre School

Youths in the West Bank experience a daily reality of violence, restriction on movement and Israeli military aggression. In addition, they also experience oppression from extreme, conservative elements within their own communities. As the social, political and economic situation in the area continues to deteriorate during the Second Infitada, it is crucial for youths to participate in shaping a peaceful and hopeful future.

Using the arts as a model for social change, Jenin-based The Freedom Theatre, in partnership with renowned institutions around the world, is developing the only tertiary-recognised theatre programme in the West Bank. Professional theatrical training is given to talented, low income youths in order to regenerate the Palestinian peoples' cultural heritage and provide communities with inspirational, creative beacons.

Highlight:

One of the students gave up life as a militant and ambushing Israeli soldiers and enrolled in the class.

Hundreds of inhabitants of Jenin Camp visited the theatre in an act of solidarity and support after it was vandalised and the staff received death threats from conservative elements.