More Information
Age guidance: 13+ (Click here for Content Advisory Notes)
Running time: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, with no interval.
THE HORSE OF JENIN, written and performed by Palestinian actor and comedian Alaa Shehada, tells a universal story. A story about the resilience that imagination brings, it is centred on a boy growing up in occupied Jenin, but like every child in the world, all he wants is to play and have fun.
In April 2002, a major invasion took place in Jenin. In the aftermath, a German artist travelled to the city for an art workshop. After four weeks, with the help of 15 Palestinians, he unveiled the result. He had built a horse as tall as 5 metres out of metal fragments, debris from the bombing. They rode the horse through the city in an uplifting display to the people.
The horse is an Arabic symbol of freedom, but this statue was also a symbol of peaceful resistance, and became a symbol of resilience. In November 2023, an Israeli bulldozer entered the camp and the horse was removed.
In this solo show, Shehada builds a new horse, constructed from the fragments of his memories and supplemented with a dose of humour and fantasy. A theatrical symbol of resistance and creativity, the performance is an ode to the power of imagination and the value of playing freely.
The Horse of Jenin was produced by Troupe Courage in the Netherlands, and is now brought to the UK in association with the Palestine Comedy Club.
Click here for details about companion/carer tickets
Members offer
20% off for Members & Friends when they book two or more shows at the same time.
Booking Enquiries
Our online booking system doesn’t allow customers to leave isolated seats. We do this in order to prevent gaps in the auditorium.
Please note that our boxes have a slightly restricted view. Seats marked with an ‘i’ on the seating plan have a restricted view.
If you require any help with your booking then please contact our Box Office by emailing tickets@stratfordeast.com or calling 020 8534 0310.
Performer/Writer: Alaa Shehada
Director: Katrien van Beurden, Thomas van Ouwerkerk
Comedy consultant/Co-writer: Sam Beale
Masks: Den Durand
Music: Remy van Kesteren, Khalil Al Batran
Dramaturgy: Maarten Bos
Designer/Tech: Roderick Bredenoord
Artistic Associate: Sacha Muller
Publicity: Sarah Milo, Blyde
Production Photography: Kamerich & Budwilowitz
Poster Photography: Dario&Misja photography
Poster Design: Buro Fritz
Trailer: David Koster
Special thanks to: Voordekunst, the donors of the crowdfunding, Jacqueline Kleijn, Hugo Keuzenkamp, Tjipke Bergsma, Nan van Houte, Lucas Hendricks
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