A woman—American, Lebanese, Palestinian—afraid to be Arab in America. In this “brave, smart, funny and beautifully crafted” solo performance she is silent no more, claiming her own voice and giving voice to others rarely heard. With laughter, music, tears and joy.
Twenty-six characters, one actress. See it...with your heart.
EVERYONE HAS TEARS is a solo theatre performance that's been in development for the last few years -- a process that's been transformative and healing, and continues to promise more of both. So far it's provoked and evoked a lot for those who've witnessed the work, and brought about a dialogue that is proving to be part of a greater healing -- for others as well as myself.
HOW IT CAME ABOUT
As an American girl of Lebanese and Palestinian descent, I grew up in a world that was just beginning to see airplane hijackings and random bombings. In the anti-Arab climate in America, I was confused to hear one version of things at home and another version in the media. I learned to silence myself in public, afraid no one would believe me or that I would be humiliated or attacked.
As an adult, the words have finally come out—mine and so many others who have lived and continue to live through this excruciating saga. The 26 characters, both Arab and Jew, are the people who shaped my life. They spoke to my heart and now speak from my heart. There is still a great need—maybe even greater than ever—for people to know Arabs as human beings. So many perceptions have been shaped by "agendas," rather than by personal experience. And I am aware there is both a hunger and a fear to talk about and feel the pain so many experience when it comes to Palestine and Israel. I have seen it in the response to the work, which has already been surprising, profound, and humbling.
Twenty-six characters, one actress. See it...with your heart.
EVERYONE HAS TEARS is a solo theatre performance that's been in development for the last few years -- a process that's been transformative and healing, and continues to promise more of both. So far it's provoked and evoked a lot for those who've witnessed the work, and brought about a dialogue that is proving to be part of a greater healing -- for others as well as myself.
HOW IT CAME ABOUT
As an American girl of Lebanese and Palestinian descent, I grew up in a world that was just beginning to see airplane hijackings and random bombings. In the anti-Arab climate in America, I was confused to hear one version of things at home and another version in the media. I learned to silence myself in public, afraid no one would believe me or that I would be humiliated or attacked.
As an adult, the words have finally come out—mine and so many others who have lived and continue to live through this excruciating saga. The 26 characters, both Arab and Jew, are the people who shaped my life. They spoke to my heart and now speak from my heart. There is still a great need—maybe even greater than ever—for people to know Arabs as human beings. So many perceptions have been shaped by "agendas," rather than by personal experience. And I am aware there is both a hunger and a fear to talk about and feel the pain so many experience when it comes to Palestine and Israel. I have seen it in the response to the work, which has already been surprising, profound, and humbling.