In A Thousand Silences is a virtual reality experience celebrating Palestinian cultural resistance whilst highlighting the brutal censorship of artists. Using the latest digital technology, audiences are immersed in locations across Palestine, from the desert to the mountains, Jenin Refugee Camp and theatres, both ancient and new. Combining dance, music, poetry، and storytelling with performances from some of Palestine's most renowned artists, including actor Mohammad Bakri, musician Suhail Khoury, and poet Dareen Tatour.
Produced by The Freedom Theatre and Artists On The Frontline
Funded by the British Council Arts Digital Collaboration Fund
Mentorship and Post-Production by Relative Motion
Created by Ahmed Tobasi, Chris Lane, and Zoe Lafferty
Directed by Ahmed Tobasi
Written by Zoe Lafferty - from the words of Ahmed Tobasi, Ali Abu Yaseen, Arna Mer Khamis, Dareen Tatour, Juliano Mer Khamis, Mohammad Bakri, and Suhail Khoury
Performances in order of appearance:
Rula Nassar
Khawla Ibraheem
Suhail Khoury
Dareen Tatour
Nabeel Al Raee performing the story of Ali Abu Yaseen
Mohammad Bakri
Ahmed Tobasi
Project Management by Mustafa Sheta
DOPs: Amin Abdulhadi and Suzan Wasfi
Sound Operation by Amin Abdulhadi and Suzan Wasfi
Poem Resist, My People, Resist Them is by Dareen Tatour
Dance performed by Naqsh Popular Art Troupe, with music from Al Fonoon Dance Troupe
Music by Nabeel Al Raee, Suhail Khoury, and Tom Adams
Associate Research by Alia Al Rosan
Film Footage of Juliano Mer Khamis by Ben Aylsworth
Film Footage from the documentary Jenin Jenin by Mohammed Bakri
Photo from Gaza by Mustafa Hassona
With Thanks to Faisal Saleh from the US Palestine Museum
Ahmed Tobasi is an accomplished actor, director, and educator with experience working in theatres throughout Palestine and internationally. Born in Jenin refugee camp in Palestine, restricted and frustrated by the occupation, Tobasi joined an armed resistance and was in prison before his 18th birthday. Upon his release 3 years later, Tobasi embraced the idea that he could become an agent of change and resistance using the medium of theatre. After 2 years studying at The Freedom Theatre, Tobasi undertook further education in Norway, followed by a 3-year professional career abroad. In his work, Tobasi is not afraid to tackle contentious issues and controversial ideas, rather relishing the opportunity to challenge and question the status quo. Tobasi is currently working as the artistic director of The Freedom Theatre, Palestine and continues to act and work in international productions sharing the Palestinian experiences and narrative with new audiences.
Zoe Lafferty is a director, theatre & digital maker, writer, and creative producer. Zoe has collaborated with some of the most radical theatre companies and artists worldwide and has taken productions to over 20 countries and 40 stages in the UK. Zoe has worked at The Freedom Theatre in Palestine since 2010, where she is an Associate Director, is founder of Artists On The Frontline, and is a Trustee at Liverpool Arab Arts Festival.