TAHA by Amer Hlehel | A Story of Love, A Story of Displacement, A Story of Peace.

A Story of Love, A Story of Displacement, A Story of Peace.

“This play is created in a way that anyone with dreams can feel connected to the story, and we all dream because we are all human beings.” - Amer Hlehel

In April 2024, Singapore Theatre Company will present TAHA by Amer Hlehel, a tribute to world-renowned poet Taha Muhammad Ali. Originating from Saffuriya, Palestine, Taha rose to prominence as a poet who captivated audiences with his evocative verses that beautifully encapsulated the resilience, love, and enduring spirit of his people.

Eloquently tracing Taha's journey from a humble shopkeeper to a celebrated poet on the world stage, the play unfolds from his ill-fated birth amidst a tragic conflict that forced his family to flee their homeland. Wrestling with themes of displacement and identity loss, Taha's story is narrated with a poignant yet humorous tone.

The play is directed by Jewish Palestinian Amir Nizar Zuabi – who most recently helmed the Little Amal project - an internationally celebrated 12-foot-tall puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee girl travelling across the world carrying a message of hope and compassion for displaced people everywhere.

Actor Amer Hlehel, speaking about Taha, says “When I first read Taha’s poetry, I felt that I was reading something that I am not used to reading in Arabic poetry, especially in Palestinian poetry. He wrote about the Palestinian Nakba in a very personal, deep, tender, and human way that was very new, and you don’t usually find in Palestinian poetry.”

To Hlehel, the role of theatre and art lies in preserving stories: “we are the history of tomorrow and we need to contribute by writing the story of the people who has no voice or ability to write it.”

Speaking of his decision to restage TAHA, following its successful run as part of the Singapore International Festival of Arts in 2018, STC’s Artistic Director Gaurav Kripalani says, “Amer Hlehel’s brilliant performance epitomises why theatre can be so magical. There are no bells and whistles. You will be transfixed by one of the most talented actors you will ever come across. This performance, this story, is one of hope. The world needs to see this play now more than ever.”

Post-show dialogue with actor Amer Hlehel

5, 12 and 13 April, 8pm performances Moderated by: 5 April - Gaurav Kripalani, Artistic Director, Singapore Theatre Company
12 April - Mohamed Irshad, Founder and President, Roses of Peace
13 April - Pooja Nansi, Festival Director, Singapore Writers Festival (2019 – 2023)

TICKETING INFORMATION

Dates: TAHA by Amer Hlehel 2 – 14 Apr 2024

Prices: From $45

Ticketing: www.singaporetheatrecompany.sg

Timing:

Tue – Fri: 8pm Sat: 4pm & 8pm Sun: 3pm & 6pm

For more show information, click on the Event Link button below.