Masrahid, the Arabic monodrama festival (Masrach means theatre and wachid means one), will take place from July 2 – 4, 2013. Now in its 12th edition, Masrahid is the first and only theatre festival in the Arabic language that reflects the broad spectrum of Palestinian Israelis working in theatre arts. The festival nurtures emerging talents and supports the development of new work by established artists.
Masrahid takes place in the Old City of Acco with its beautiful courtyards, stone arches and ancient buildings, and was founded by artist and journalist Osama Masri, artistic director of the festival, and Chaled Abu-Ali, one of the directors of the Acco Theater Center, and is supported by the Ministry of Culture, the municipality of Acco and the Company for Cultural Development in Acco and Israel.
This year’s festival reflects a growing dialogue between Jewish and Arab artists, with several artistic collaborations. New this year is Masrahid Plus, a series of shows written for two actors.
This year’s program includes:
Pnina Rintzler and Kard Harini with Sally Ala al Navi which looks at the problems of bureaucracy.
Compliment – a monologue by Alon Margalit and Bian Anatir.
Important figure – a comic play by Hossam Juyals and Mishlin Samsum from the Comedy Theater.
Section 7 – a protest production.
Choices – a collaboration between Issy Mamanov, Meital Yalink, Mussa Elkarini and Ismail Elkashala from the Theater of the Negev, the actress Lama Naamana and the director Ehud Vardi about making decisions .
Eli Maman and Maisa Chamis-Amori in the production based on the play Moon dance.
Bashar Murkus, critics favorite at the Acco Festival 2011, directs New Middle East, a duo for two actors: Emal Kayas and Henry Andreos.
The festival will also include street events open to the public, shows for the whole family, screenings of documentaries and video-art, tribute exhibition to honor the artist from Acco Jabar Abu Chamad and a monolog competition for theatre students. Lina Machol, (The Voice) will perform at the opening ceremony, followed by a dance party in gardens with DJ Muhammad Jabeli.
Following the festival, the Traveling Masrahid Project, initiated by Minister of Culture Limor Livnat, will take the plays on tour in 60 towns throughout Israel. For tickets call 04-9914222, or check the Acco Theater Center website.
