“DEADLIFT” in The Netherlands

DEADLIFT – الحَمّالون

The Latest Production of Al-Harah Theater

Al-Harah Theater is proud to announce the launch of its new performance “DEADLIFT – The Porters”, a visual theatre piece conceived and directed by Palestinian director Bashar Murkus, in co-production with:
Boy Jonkergouw Producties – The Netherlands and Riksteatern – Sweden.

About the Performance

The performance draws inspiration from the iconic painting Camel of Burdens by renowned Palestinian artist Suleiman Mansour, which depicts a man carrying the entire city of Jerusalem on his back. From this powerful image, the performance raises pressing questions:

How much can a person bear? Where is the breaking point?

“DEADLIFT” is a poetic and visual tribute to human resilience, testing the limits of endurance, and reflecting on how people can piece together hope and questions for the future from under the rubble.

A Word from the Director

“In this work, I place my outcry, my fear, my shame, and my questions. How can we embody a porter of burdens when our cities are being erased and our souls collapse with them? This performance does not provide answers, but questions about the future—not only the future of Palestine, but of humanity as a whole.”
– Bashar Murkus

Artistic Team

Performers: Ehab Abed, Wajdi Khalid, Reem Talhami, Nicola Zreineh
Scenography: Nancy Mkaabal, Bashar Murkus
Music: Wouter de Belder
Light Design: Simon Haen
Technical Direction & Set Production: Issam Rishmawi, Simon Haen
Executive Production: Admira Fazlic, George Matar
Assistant Director: Hadil Khateb
Management Assistant: Mostafa Betaree
Internationalization Advisor: Nan van Houte

Production & Partnerships

A co-production by Marina Barham\ Al-Harah Theater – Palestine, Boy Jonkergouw Producties – The Netherlands, and Riksteatern – Sweden.
In partnership with: Podium LUX, PAX, and Spotlight Team International Art.
Funded by: AFAC, The Danish House in Palestine, and Riksteatern.

Performances

The world premiere will take place in The Netherlands, followed by performances in Palestine.
Full tour details in The Netherlands on this link: https://www.boyjonkergouw.nl/deadlift/