It’s late afternoon when a Jewish woman arrives at her sister’s home in the occupied city of Ramallah. Dusk settles and with the call to prayer come neighbours – an uncle and nephew – to greet the new arrival. As night falls an unexpected curfew prompts the sharing of old stories which threaten to tear apart the fragile harmony of the sisters’ memories.

iceandfire’s 2008 production

Welcome to Ramallah, by Sonja Linden and Adah Kay, was written to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the British Mandate for Palestine.

It had a sold-out run at the Arcola Theatre in London, 23rd September – 18th October 2008. It then went on to the York Theatre Royal, 21st October – 1st November 2008.

Directed by Sue Lefton
Designed by Adrian Linford
Lighting Design by Jenny Cane
Sound Design by Emma Laxton
Cast: John Moraitis, Christopher Simon, Shuna Snow and Lolly Susi

Palestine Monologues, scripted by Sonja Linden, is designed to be an ancillary piece to Welcome to Ramallah. Toured by iceandfire’s outreach project, Actors for Human Rights, the reading is an opportunity to listen to some of the voices of those affected by the occupation of Palestine.

Reviews

“Lolly Susi, as the squeamish, self-deluding Nat, and Shuna Snow, as the bright-eyed Mara, vividly capture the prickly devotion of two warring sisters.”

- The Times

“Politics are woven through complex and intricate human and familial relationships, as the political inevitably implies the personal.”

- Rogues and Vagabonds

“A play that has serious things to say about the legacy of Israel’s founding.”

- The Jewish Chronicle

“Fine moments and sensitive performances.”

- Time Out

“The cast of four successfully dramatise the uneasy scenario in which people of wildly contrasting opinions try to maintain a sense of polite and hospitable decorum… This is a play that some may see as a fair reflection of the situation, others as a skewed polemic, but either way, it raises debate as it intended.”

- The Stage

Audience Feedback

“It gave an honest human account. It wasn’t just about Israel or Palestine but can be replicated into other culture or family conflict/situation.”

“Fantastic writing – very real and true performances, nothing in this production was obnoxious or forceful which I find can often alienate an audience. Excellent. ”

“This is a moving and powerful play. It was well written and performed by all those involved in the work. It was a powerful reminder of what needs to be done to achieve peace in the world. It touches human tragedy that remains a taboo among the new generations in Israel, the Jewish communities at large and the wider communities in the west.”

“I think it was fantastically written and made you think and question so many ideas we take for granted. It explored and expressed some of the most important values people should have. The simplicity and subtleness made it really realistic.”

“I thought it a powerful, vibrant, spirited piece. The twists and turns of the story kept the drama apace throughout. The play is highly engaging to watch and this is largely due to the humour and the pace of the dramatic action.”

“I am not a keen theatre goer but I was truly moved and had tears in my eyes at certain points. It was well acted and brilliantly written.”

Supported by The Columbia Foundation, the Royal Victoria Hall Foundation, Arts Council England, Unity Theatre Trust, The Golsoncott Foundation and the Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust.