Palestinians Perform Stories of Resilience and Hope at Bethlehem Festival
(AWP) - In the heart of Bethlehem, body movements, melodies and words melt together on the stage to form an artistic scene telling the story of a young Palestinian woman who has lived through turbulent times in several locations.
An artist named Bayan Shabib, from the Ishtar Theatre group, takes the stage to tell the story of an exceptional woman who overcomes the journey of exile to eventually return to her motherland after decades of waiting.
Melodies accompany all the performances at the Bethlehem International Performing Arts Festival (BIPAF), which, for its organizers, serves as a documentation of moments in time and highlights heroic tales of resilience and defiance.
Bayan said, in statements to the Arab World Press (AWP), “This performance falls within the framework of dismantling psychological and cultural barriers of the concepts of asylum and the homeland.”
She explained, “[Our show] explores the complex psychologies of those who have suffered from dispersion and being away from their land. It mixes physical art and critical literature to create a performance telling one story that represents the issues of many.”
For Bayan, the festival is a touching and engaging moment showing how art can be a means of conveying stories and feelings, which makes the audience realise how powerful art is in expressing humanity and unity in light of the major challenges facing the Palestinian people.
The performance by Ishtar Theatre group is part of a week-long series of performances.
The 2nd edition of BIPAF kicked off on Wednesday as organized by Dar al-Kalima Charity Foundation and Diyar Theatre.
Reverend Dr. Mitri al-Raheb, the founder and chairman of Dar al-Kalima, stressed the importance of art in conveying messages to the world in a contemporary way.
“Art in Palestine has a role to play in bolstering resilience and defiance,” Rahib said in statements to AWP.
He noted that the event organisers sought to give an international dimension to the shows through participation by artists and groups from the United States and Europe to introduce their messages and experiences on stage.
“The festival offers a chance to merge international artists with young Palestinian artists, who often face difficulties travelling freely,” he added, emphasising the richness of the Palestinian artistic experience despite all the hardships facing the Palestinian cause.
The BIPAF events will conclude on Tuesday.