Theatre and the Israel-Palestine Conflict: Identity, Resistance and Contested Narratives

This book delves into the complex narratives surrounding the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian dispute through the unique lens of theatre. This ground-breaking exploration employs postcolonial theory to analyze a diverse array of theatrical works by Israeli, Palestinian, and Western playwrights. By juxtaposing portrayals of significant events such as the Nakba or the Israeli War of Independence, the Intifadas, and the experiences of diaspora and exile, Harras provides a nuanced examination of how these events are represented on stage. The book reveals the profound impact of language in constructing and contesting historical narratives and underscores theatre’s role as a space for cultural critique and self-reflection. This comprehensive study offers new insights into the power of artistic expression to challenge historical dichotomies and encourage a deeper understanding of this enduring conflict. Essential for scholars of Postcolonial Studies, Middle East Studies, and the Performing Arts, this work invites readers to reconsider the conflict through the transformative lens of theatre.

Azza Harras received her Ph.D. in Postcolonial Studies from the University of Kent in 2015. She previously served as an Assistant Lecturer at Misr University for Science and Technology, Egypt and the University of Kent, UK. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English, Culture, and Communication at the Royal Military College of Canada.