"'Making theater shows in Palestine' — with a limited infrastructure and lack of state funding — 'sometimes feels like building rockets,' [Amir Nizar Zuabi, playwright] said. 'But when they take off, it’s glorious.'"
– The New York Times
A play about the inalienable right to dream, Grey Rock tells the story of a Palestinian man so enamored with the 1969 American moon landing that he muses, "shouldn't Palestine, the land of prophets, also have a presence on the moon?" Without money or technology, but with the help of his bemused West Bank neighbors, he sets out to build a space shuttle. Knowing full well that he can't succeed with this impossible, but necessary task. Chaos ensues when his family discovers his plan.
This humorous, poetic work is performed by a five-member cast (from the West Bank and Israel) featuring renowned theater/screen actor, Khalifa Natour. Commissioned and Produced by U.S.-based Remote Theater Project to address English speaking communities.
Credits
Written and Directed by Amir Nizar Zuabi
Performed by: Ivan Kevork Azazian, Khalifa Natour, Motaz Malhees, Alaa Shehada, Fidaa Zaidan
Commissioned and Produced by Alexandra Aron, Remote Theater Project
Set and Projection Design: Tal Yarden
Lighting Design: Muaz Jubeh
Sound Design: Katie Down
Associate Producer: Bonnie Sue Stein, GOH Productions
The play was developed with support from The A. M. Qattan Foundation, Tajwaal Foundation, CEC Arts Link, Tilt Left Fund , The Still Point Fund, La MaMa Theatre, and many private individuals. Grey Rock first premiered at La MaMa Theatre.
Who is Remote Theater Project?
Remote Theater Project, an American theater company founded and led by Producing Artistic Director Alexandra Aron. The company is dedicated to bringing theater artists who are geographically or politically isolated to New York City to develop new work and help them to tour internationally to have their voices heard outside the confines of their region and reach. Grey Rock is the first play commissioned by Remote Theater Project.
Who is Amir Nizar Zuabi?
Amir Nizar Zuabi is considered by his peers and theatre critics, to be one of the leading theatre directors in the Middle East. After graduating with honors from Israel’s prestigious Nissan Native Acting Studio, and attending workshops in France and Russia, Zuabi first cut his teeth directing “Stories Under Occupation” for Al Kasabah theatre in Ramallah. (Best Production - Cairo Theatre festival and Cartage festival). The show toured extensively, to wide acclaim, at the Royal Court London, Tokyo International Arts Festival, Goteborg Festival, amongst other destinations.
*These are designated BYO performances. Acceptable forms of BYO are 6-pack of beer and/or 750ml bottles of wine only; no liquor or open containers are permitted. Limit of one (1) 750ml bottle of wine OR one (1) six-pack of beer per two guests. Corkscrews and rolling coolers are not permitted. Ice, cups and corking service available at venue at no cost. All BYO Night guests are subject to lawful ID checks and bag checks at the manager’s discretion.