FAO VENUE MANAGERS - NOW BOOKING FOR SPRING 2009
TOURING NATIONALLY FROM 26 APRIL - 13 JUNE 2009
a new play by Bridget Foreman
directed by Paul Burbridge
designed by Sean Cavanagh
Click here for more information on the creative team
World leaders are planning peace in the Middle East by the end of the year. Diplomatic missions shuttle between Arabs and Israelis. Talks and more talks are set against the continuing hail of rockets and the creeping expansion of the separation wall. But for the Mansour family living in Bethlehem, what does it all mean?
While dwindling numbers of tourists still make it through the checkpoints, the restrictions get tighter, wages are frozen and travel permits refused. Even Ibrahim's special vitamin deliveries from the States are hardly good news of great joy.
Despite increasing deprivation, the warmth, humour and vitality of daily life in the West Bank continues, until long-buried secrets and the consequences of sixty years of frustration threaten to tear the family apart.
Salaam Bethlehem tells a story of Bethlehem's Palestinian community from the inside and looks with them beyond the wall… to the hopes and fears of an uncertain future. From the heart of the town celebrated for stories of divine intervention, people are praying and working for another miracle.
Compelling, inspirational Riding Lights theatre at its best.
If you are concerned about or involved with Christians, Muslims and Jews in Palestine and Israel go and see it and take your friends.
Bridget Rees, Chair of Friends of Sabeel UK
A gripping play that deserves packed audiences up and down the country. It lived with me for days because it reflects exactly what is happening in Bethlehem today.
Linda Ramsden, Director, Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions - UK
Many have responded to Bethlehem's worldwide call for support but very few have done it with the same heartfelt engagement and creativity as Riding Lights Theatre Company.
Leila Sansour, Open Bethlehem
Response from Palestinians living in the UK who have seen the play:
An incredibly powerful and multi-faceted treatment of the huge problems in our country.
Hanan Harb
Moving, authentic and amusing.
Yazeed Said
This play could not be any more real. A wonderful story, a great cast and a genius production. I wish more people would see this. Nida Shoughry
Salaam Bethlehem is available for full and split weeks.
For further information please contact Jonathan Brown on
01904 655317 or jonathan@rltc.org as soon as possible!