TAHA being presented in July as part of Big World, Up Close - a powerhouse performance series showcasing the most compelling new works from across the globe. Tapping urgent energies from Africa to the Middle East and Australia’s own shores, each piece in the series reveals profound and personal stories told by vital voices in music and theatre.
With this small pencil, I will write the word…
TAHA
With this small pencil
I will draw the word
I will write the world."
A lyrical story of the life of Palestinian poet Taha Muhammad Ali, written and performed by Amer Hlehel. Directed by Amir Nizar Zuabi, who also directed AZZA and is founder of celebrated theatre company ShiberHur.
Performed in English
Taha Muhammad Ali is the beautiful optimistic picture of the Palestinian people – of all of us. In his beloved verses, Taha documents hopeful survival after 50 years of loss – loss of his home, his lover, his friends and his shop in Saffuriyeh in Galilee.
Adapted from Adina Hoffman's book My Happiness Bears No Relation to Happiness and based on the poet’s works, writer-performer Amer Hlehel has created a tour de force solo performance interweaving Taha’s singular and exquisite poetry with his compelling life journey.
Written and Performed by: Amer Hlehel
Translated and Directed by Amir Zizar Zubai
Design: Ashraf Hanna Music: Habib Shehadeh Hanna Lighting: Muaz Jubeh Production Manager: Khawla Ibraheem
