1 hour
The Studio at Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
Fri, 20 Jun, 2025 at 07:30 pm to 08:30 pm (BST)
The Studio At Festival Theatre
22 Potterrow Eh8 9bl, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Palestinian performer Alaa Shehada brings his signature blend of humour and heart to the stage in The Horse of Jenin — a powerful yet playful show that invites audiences to reflect laugh and connect.
At its core is the story of the Horse of Jenin a sculpture built from the wreckage of Israeli invasions. For 20 years it stood in the centre of Jenin Camp as a symbol of resistance imagination and pride. In October 2023 it was destroyed by an Israeli bulldozer — but this performance is about what cannot be destroyed.
Shehada draws from his own memories of growing up under occupation mixing comedy personal stories and cultural reflection to explore how creativity and humour help people hold onto their humanity.
This is not just a story of loss — it’s about resilience. About finding laughter in unexpected places. About how art connects us heals us and keeps history alive.
The Horse of Jenin speaks to the broader destruction of cultural heritage and the increasing threats to artistic freedom in Palestine. In this context artistic expression becomes a form of resistance—a way to document truth preserve identity and inspire future generations.
The Horse of Jenin is part of CULTURE = LIFE a bold new programme of Palestinian Artists celebrating culture as an act of survival and expression. Through performance storytelling and connection this event invites you to see Palestine through the eyes of those who live create and resist there every day.
Expect to laugh. Expect to reflect. Expect to leave changed.
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Tickets for The Horse of Jenin - Palestinian Comedy Club can be booked here.
