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Critically acclaimed, award-winning show, THE HORSE OF JENIN, offers a moving and humorous reflection on one boy's upbringing in Jenin and has been showcased internationally. Written and performed by Palestinian actor and comedian, Alaa Shehada, the performance uniquely combines storytelling, mask theatre, and stand-up comedy.
In 2002, a German artist travelled to the city to create an artwork with the children of Jenin made of debris after an invasion. They built a horse (an Arabic symbol of freedom), five metres tall and it stood for 20 years as a symbol of freedom until it was destroyed in October 2023. The Horse of Jenin is constructed from the fragments of Alaa Shehada’s own memories and stands as an ode to the power of imagination and the resilience it brings. Alaa Shehada (Playwright, Actor and comedian ) is a Palestinian theatre maker and graduate of The Freedom Theatre Acting School in Jenin Refugee Camp – an institution nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2024. Shehada uses humor and storytelling to voice Palestinian experiences on global stages. The Horse of Jenin was awarded The Scotsman Fringe First Award, along with The Outwith Award for international talent. In 2025, he joined comedian Bassem Youssef on stage and delivered a TEDx London talk alongside comedian Nish Kumar. |
'A funny, haunting, coming of age tale'
★★★★★ | The Guardian 'It must be one of the most important shows at this year’s Edinburgh festival.' ★★★★★ | British Theatre Guide 'Brilliantly mixes compassion, conviction and comedy' BBC Music Magazine 'Buzzing with charisma' 'a moving but upbeat celebration of the spirit of ordinary people and the galvanising potential of art.' The Financial Times Sell-out run at Edinburgh 2025 Rolling Stone Top 10 Show |
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