Abstract

International collaboration and support for Palestinian theatre can compromise its effectiveness as a tool for resisting Israeli occupation. Furthermore, the integration of principles from Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed and the recentering of Palestinian narratives holds the potential to overcome challenges within international collaboration. This will ultimately enhance support for Palestinians’ ongoing struggle for liberation. After providing historical context, the paper will focus on Palestinian theatrical activities occurring after the signing of the Oslo Accords, a series of private negotiations intended to impose a two-state solution. The paper will then detail the pros and cons of international funding for and partnerships with theatrical endeavors in Palestine, and make recommendations for improving such partnerships in the future. Given that this paper will discuss how international collaboration with Palestinian theatre affects its efficacy as an avenue for social change, a brief historical overview of its development before and in the beginning stages of these partnerships will be provided. Rather than focusing only on the dramaturgical aspects of Palestinian theatrical performances, this paper also examines instances of collaborative theatre making in Palestine to better understand their local and global manifestations and perceptions, and how to more intentionally carry out future efforts to provide the best possible outcomes for Palestinians.

How to Cite:

Buck, J., (2024) “Relationships Reimagined: Analyzing International Partnerships With Palestinian Theatre to Highlight the Potential for Greater Impacts”, Arizona Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies 10(1), 25-29.