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• And here I am – Ahmed Tobasi (PS)

And here I am – Ahmed Tobasi (PS)

And Here I Am is a powerful and humorous performance about finding oneself. The play is based on the life of Palestinian artist Ahmed Tobasi – performed by himself. By blending fact with fantasy and tragedy with sharp humor, award-winning playwright Hassan Abdulrazzak has created a raw and deeply human tale of defiance, perseverance and an unwavering fight for freedom. We follow Tobasi’s journey from the war-torn streets of Jenin refugee camp, to captivity in an Israeli prison via armed resistance to the transformative power of art and theater. From exile in Norway back to his homeland – where the fight is far from over.

With the Israeli army's constant attacks and invasion of the Jenin refugee camp, And Here I Am is not just a story from the past, but a narrative with a burning current relevance.

Language: Arabic with English subtitles
Target group: youth from 16 years/young adults
Duration: 75 minutes
Venue: Manu Theatre
Content warning: smoke, loud noise and themes related to war, torture and imprisonment

Cast: 

And Here I Am is written by Hassan Abdulrazzak , based on the life of and performed by Ahmed Tobasi .
The performance is directed by Zoe Lafferty , with set design by Sarah Beaton , lighting design by Andy Purve and Jess Bernberg , and sound design by Max Pappenheim .
Lanre Malaolu is the movement instructor, while Samra Bulbol is the technical manager.
The Arabic translation was done by Eyas Younis , and Amiee Leonard was responsible for voice coaching.
The play was originally produced by Developing Artists , and is now produced by Artists On The Frontline .

Photo: Joubard photography / Benjamin Lebellec