Followed by a conversation with Iman Aoun, Artistic Director of the Ashtar Theatre (West Bank), and a reception. ACM Embedded counselor Adanna Anucha will be present to support. Open to ACM students.
Please contact carla.melo@utoronto.ca if you have any questions.
Date: Friday, March 8, 2024
Time: 11am-1pm
Location: Leigha Lee Browne Theatre
Register: https://clnx.utoronto.ca > Log in > Events & Workshops > UTSC - Arts, Culture and Media > Select the event
In 2010, a group of thirty-three young people from Gaza found inspiration amidst challenging circumstances. Ashtar Theatre gave them a platform to discover a unique theatrical voice, one that resonates with hope and aspiration, transcending the echoes of adversity that surrounded them.
From October 2010 onwards, this movement has gained global momentum. Over 2,000 youths from diverse backgrounds, spread across more than 80 cities in 40 countries, have engaged with these monologues. These performances, translated into 18 languages, have not only showcased artistic expression but have also served as a beacon of humanitarian awareness.
Students from THRC15: Theatres of the Real will be reading from the work, followed by a conversation with Iman Aoun, Artistic Director of the Ashtar Theatre (West Bank), and a reception. We invite you to come witness this piece of testimonial drama.
Trigger warning: Please be aware that this play deals with the complex aftermath of war and includes scenes that some may find distressing. Themes include the harsh realities of conflict, including graphic description of the effects of violence on bodies, as well as the psychological impact. We aim to present these topics with respect and sensitivity, but advise viewer discretion for those with personal experiences related to these subjects.
Iman Aoun: Co-Founder and Executive Director of ASHTAR Theatre (Actress, Director, Producer)
An award winning actress who works in theatre, TV series, and films. Holds a Bachelor Degree in Social Studies and a Diploma in Psychodrama. Started her acting career with El-Hakawati Theatre Company in Jerusalem in 1984 and co-founder ASHTAR for Theatre Productions and Training in 1991. Ms. Aoun received various notifications for her work from different countries and international organizations and festivals. In 2020 was a finalist at the Gilder/Coigney Award – NYC. She runs ASHTAR International Youth Theatre Festival since 2012. Written and published several articles on the subject of theatre in Palestine, and co-written two books on theatre training. She was panelist in a number of international conferences and World Summits, and participated at the UNESCO Arts Lab. An internationally recognized theatre trainer specialized in Theatre of the Oppressed. She is the initiator of various international projects, most notable: “One Hundred Artist for Palestine” in 2003 with IETM, “The Gaza Monologues” in 2010 and "The Syrian Monologues" in 2015. www.ashtar-theatre.org , https://www.facebook.com/iman.aoun.18/ , www.gazamonologues.com, www.ashtar-youth-festival.com