This South African apartheid-era drama, inspired by a true story, is set in a prison and revolves around two cellmates: one who is soon to be released while the other is serving a life sentence. They spend their days at mind-numbing physical labour and at night rehearse for a performance of Sophocles’ Antigone. Antigone, who defies the laws of the state to follow her conscience, and her uncle who sentences her to die for her crime. Is Antigone guilty? Who decides? … The Freedom Theatre’s adaptation of The Island reflects the experiences of Palestinian political prisoners and the abuses within the Israeli prison system. The play also highlights the parallels between apartheid South Africa and Palestine today. The separation, the denial of basic human and political rights, the discrimination and oppression that is evident in countless aspects of daily life. The Island is a testament to the importance of culture as a tool for resistance, and for humanity. Despite the prisoners’ circumstances their souls are thirsty and art is the water that keeps them alive. In Palestine, as in apartheid South Africa, we need to keep ourselves alive. Juliano Mer Khamis had a dream to create a professional theatre in the Jenin Refugee Camp. This production, 2 years after his murder, is the culmination of that dream. The money raised will help support a tour stop in Hartford, CT in late September. All money collected will help pay the salaries of the artistic staff and crew as well as production costs. If you are unable to make a contribution at this time please try to attend the production. If there is additional money collected it will go to support additional programs on the tour including workshops and presentations.
Posted on: Thu, 20 Jun 2013 15:50:07 +0000
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