The Freedom Theatre Organisational overview Annual Report 2018 Summary of activities 2019
Vision
The Freedom Theatre’s vision is a cultural resistance movement at the core of a free and critical Palestinian society.
Mission
Through cultural resistance, The Freedom Theatre aims to raise a new generation that is able to challenge all forms of oppression.
Objectives
1. To train professionals in the field of theatre, pedagogics and media to provide human resources for the enhancement of the cultural and artistic sector in Palestine 2. To work in our community in order to strengthen collaboration, self-awareness, creativity and imagination 3. To produce state of the art and thought-provoking theatre and media products and perform them locally, regionally and internationally 4. To advocate good governance, accountability, equality, integrity and justice in Palestine, advocate for Palestinian rights internationally and promote The Freedom Theatre locally and internationally 5. To maintain good administrative and management procedures in TFT Cultural resistance For the oppressed, the arts have always been a powerful tool against the oppressors. For us Palestinians, artistic expression is an integrated part of our struggle for freedom, justice and equality. We are subjected to apartheid, colonisation and military rule. This conditions and gives direction to our work at The Freedom Theatre. We are part of a movement, and our contribution to it is to create a platform for cultural resistance. Cultural resistance means different things for different people. Our own definition at The Freedom Theatre has grown out of our experiences during the past twelve years and is rooted in our practical work, as well as in our analysis of the reality around us. From our perspective, cultural resistance is not a substitute for any other form of resistance; it is a complement. Various forms of resistance can be described as a large mosaic where each stone represents a different form. Cultural resistance is one of the stones - but not just any stone: it is the stone that gives the entire mosaic a pattern, meaning and direction. The Freedom Theatre is a national cultural movement that harnesses creative power and artistic expression in the pursuit of justice and equality. It is a catalyst for creating an attractive leadership situation for the various performing arts schools. We follow a line loaded with diverse ideas and expressions as a bullet of inspiration to resist the poverty, wars, censorship,
hatred, and evocation of the beauty of the theatre in the imagination, authenticity, friendship and multiculturalism, and we go on the approach of cultural resistance, which was inscribed by the moguls of Palestinian resistance literature such as Ghassan Kanafani, Naji Al Ali, Tawfiq Ziad, Mahmoud Darwish, Samih Al Qasim, Rashid Hussein and many more. We continue to create hope; We continue to plant seeds, and go on the path of life in building a cultural resistance movement through The Freedom Theatre, on the premise of justice and equality towards the future of freedom to achieve the ultimate dream. How The Freedom Theatre operates Membership TFT is a membership organisation. Members include current and former students, friends and partners as well as other residents of the Jenin area. TFT also has international members. Anyone above the age of 18 who has a basic understanding of TFT can become a member, but in order to vote at the general assembly or be elected to the board, members must have a Palestinian ID. Membership is open all year except one month before the general assembly. In addition to the general assembly, members are invited to at least one member meeting every year. Members are also encouraged to volunteer at TFT, and they are updated on the operations through a regular digest, as well as frequent updates on social media. TFT aims for all members to be actively engaged, and is committed to taking into consideration the members’ suggestions and ideas. TFT Board The Freedom Theatre Board of Directors is elected annually in a General Assembly that takes place each May. The board have of 9 members and must elect a chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary and treasurer according to the bylaws of The Freedom Theatre. The board members are not paid. They meet at least once every three months and are responsible for implementing the annual plan as approved by the general assembly within the framework of TFT’s bylaws. General Director The general director is employed by the Board and is responsible for overseeing the annual plan and that appropriate policies and procedures are followed. The general director is also responsible for the flow of information between the members, the board of directors, the staff and for compiling quarterly reports to the board, and representing The Freedom Theatre.
The general director manages the ongoing operations of the organisation (daily work), concerning its policies and process manuals, and responsible for following the program coordinators for implementing and overseeing the activities that fall under their particular programme, so that progress can be monitored, and presenting future plans for their programmes, where need to make sure that programme targets are met. Public domain Most of the documentation of TFT is considered to lie within the public domain and may be retrieved by contacting the general secretary with a letter stating the intention along with contact information. Spaces TFT operates mainly from its theatre, workshop and office complex in Jenin refugee camp and its rehearsal hall in Jenin town. The facilities include: • A 180-seat theatre and cinema hall, changing rooms, storage and technical workshop as well as a rehearsal space. Fully accessible by wheelchair. • A set and general storage space. • An office with six rooms and a common meeting space. • A meeting/lunch room with merchandise display corner and a kitchen. • A rehearsal hall, library, costume storage and changing rooms, as well as rest and kitchen areas with full wheelchair ccess. • A child activity space with two playrooms with full wheelchair access. • A cinema room with partial wheelchair access. Financial and human resource procedures The Freedom Theatre’s financial and HR work is regulated by a set of manuals and policies that describe the correct procedures of implementation. TFT maintains a separation between its petty cash and accounts. TFT incomes are divided between four main sources: • Friends Association initiatives (10-15%). • Crowdfunding (5-10%). • Sales of artistic products and promotional merchandise (5-10%). • Grants from donor agencies (65-80%) More information about TFT’s structure can be found on the website
The Friends of The Freedom Theatre are associations formed of people who believe in the work of The Freedom Theatre. The support of these groups has from the start been essential to the continuation and growth of TFT. The current groups are located in USA, Portugal, Sweden, UK, France and Ireland. Financial control and transparency The Freedom Theatre accounts are audited annually by internationally accredited auditing firms, where they are asked more than just reviewing The Freedom Theatre in maintaining financial records in accordance with international standards, but also ensuring that The Freedom Theatre works in line with internal regulations that include reviewing the minutes of TFT Board, and the number of meetings, as well as the records of membership lists in the General Assembly, as well as access to public accounts, and The Freedom Theatre is requesting a review of a set of specific projects by an external auditor. The financial year for The Freedom Theatre is from January 1 to December 31. The accounts are independently audited by an external audit firm. The Freedom Theatre Foundation In 2006, The Freedom Theatre was registered as a Swedish Foundation because at that time it was not possible to register new Palestinian organisations. In 2007, when it became possible to register new organisations, The Freedom Theatre registered with the Palestinian Ministry of Interior as a non-profit association. At that time the Swedish Foundation handed over its assets to the Palestinian association after an agreement had been set up between the two organisations. Until today the Swedish Foundation continues to operate and provide a legal platform for TFT to operate on, under the regulation of a highly respected international board. Palestinian association after an agreement had been set up between the two organisations. Until today the Swedish Foundation continues to operate and provide a legal platform for TFT to operate on, under the regulation of a highly respected international board.
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2018 2018 IN BRIEF
Activism Activities “Advocates for peace and security: Increasing young women’s participation in community security and the implementation of UNSCR 1325 in the West Bank” The project’s goal was to increase young women’s participation in six target areas in the West Bank by strengthening the capacity of young women through innovative workshops in theatre, drama, photography, and videography. This project in collaboration with Mustakbalna, focused on the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325, calling for the promotion of equal participation of young women in security and peace issues. The innovative project rationale is based on TFT’s experience with the theatre school, a three-year intensive educational and professional program to learn theatre with a focus on acting. Apart from enabling students to learn drama methods and join the world of performing arts, this program equips students with the skills necessary to succeed, empowering young adults. As a result, TFT’s use of interactive theatre as a tool for social change was integrated to this project in order to promote UNSCR 1325. This approach does not only focus on direct training, but on targeting community development, wherein the community supports young women (ages 15 to 25) in achieving a better future for women in line with the UNSCR
1325. The application of interactive theatre techniques enables sharing of stories and experiences among the participants which leads to empowerment and capacity building, with the final goal to mobilize young women and guide them towards socio-political change. The participation of the Freedom Theatre in this context was multidimensional. Starting with the preparation and selection of target areas, coordinating with the different regions, mobilizing and bringing in participants as well as providing courses and training sessions in the field of theatre and drama, and photography and videography. The project was launched in the following marginalized communities; Jenin (Jenin City and Ya’bad town), Tulkarm (Tulkarm Refugee Camp), Nablus (Nablus City), Tubas, and Hebron . TFT delivered the following activities through a collaborative process supported by Mustakbalna; Theatre and Drama Workshops, and participatory Photography and Videography Workshops. Following the Drama and Theatre Workshops, one performance per target area was held, with each play reflecting specific issues faced by the young women of the area. Following the Participatory Photography and Videography Workshops, one photo exhibition/film screening was arranged per each of the six target areas. TFT produced a play called “Us Too – Women of Palestine” which reflected the story of the Palestinian women, demanding
an equal standing between women and men, especially in relation to the decision-making in Palestine. “Us Too” is an urgent protest play performed by young women across Palestine, demanding an equal future. In the play, women from across Palestine take refuge in a holy place asking God and the citizens of the city to grant them asylum. They are running not from war, or famine or occupation but from men. Inspired by the Aeschylus play “The Suppliant Women”, the production is a juxtaposition of the original text, as well as powerful personal stories of harassment, the fights for education, the choice in marriage, and dreams of determining their own futures.
THEATRE Theatre School The Freedom Theatre School is a three-year educational programme which focuses on acting, devising and cultural resistance. While gaining professional acting skills, our students are encouraged to engage in their communities using drama as a tool for social and political change. The class of 2017 graduated in January and then most of the graduates continued to be involved in TFT as actors and theatre club/summer camp facilitators; the next class of Theatre School student was scheduled to begin in September 2018. This has given us a period of time to reflect on how to improve the existing course and curriculum and to to create a more cohesive and advanced program for the new class of students. Productions and Performances This year saw the widest participation of The Freedom Theatre within the region as well as Europe, where “Return to Palestine” was invited to perform in various forums from Jordan to Turkey, Egypt and Tunisia and tour in Sweden, France and Luxembourg. The year ended with a victory for The Freedom Theatre where ‘Return to Palestine’ won the prize for the ‘Best integrated show’ in the Palestine National Theatre festival. “And Here I am” a monodrama by Ahmed Tobasi, which the theatre partnered with at the end of 2017 organized a tour across the West Bank with 22 performances along with performances abroad in the UAE, Egypt, Norway and Zimbabwe. The production of ‘Jinan’ began in February; Jinan is based on the world famous Swedish children’s book Pippi Longstocking, by Astrid Lindgren. Jinan is a young Palestinian girl, a feminist, an optimist and a free thinker – the Pippi Longstocking character has encouraged countless girls to believe in themselves, both in Sweden and abroad and has inspired the creation of Jinan. The play was directed by Swedish director Lars Eric Brossner in cooperation with Folktearn Goteburg, Sweden. On the 15th of May, The Freedom Theatre commemorated the Nakba. Over the years, the narrative of the Nakba has been remembered and retold in several ways. Nabil Al-Raee, created a performance about the Nakba to discover the different stories about historical event and how to think critically about them. ‘Untitled. 70th Nakba?!’ premiered on May 15th. Through several theatrical styles, the play presents a few small, human stories in a realistic and sometimes humorous way. The three personal monologues in the play enable the audience to connect with the humanity of the Palestinian narrative – all the while informing
the audience about the necessary facts about Palestine ‘A Skate Play in Palestine’ based on novel “Jonathan Livingston Seagull” was an exciting and special project in 2018 for The Freedom Theatre. TFT collaborated on a joint production of a skate play in Palestine with Eyes Up Here Productions LLC from the US, and and SkateQilya. This unprecedented theatrical experience was aimed at socially engaging youth in public skate parks worldwide. A skate play’ tells a story of freedom and explores its meaning through a unique and interesting experience that brings together the art of skating, storytelling and interactive theatre. The show will discuss issues around today’s youth, their aspirations whilst urging them to express themselves in an open and public space. 2018 saw the return of Nabil Al Raee as artistic Director of The Freedom Theatre to start developing the re-introduction of the Theatre School and oversee the productions and partnerships for 2018. With reference that the start of registration for the acting school was announced in September 2018, which started its operations at the beginning of 2019.
MULTIMEDIA Photography The Multimedia department is one of the supporting facets of the theatre program; it documents and provides the creative publicity materials and resources for TFT from the first stage of production meetings to rehearsals and performances producing the visual identity of the artistic work and TFT in general. All work at TFT this year has been filmed, documented and relied on in the dissemination of news and promotion through social networks and the official The Freedom Theatre website. Multimedia had a significant role in the 1325 project which resulted in a photo exhibition of 36 photographs, 6 short films and a film about the whole project in cooperation with Mustakbalna program. Additionally, the team organized 5 workshops and courses in photography for adults and children as part of the usual multimedia activity schedule. In the promotion and awareness-raising field; TFT hosted the presentation of the “Freedom from here” project in collaboration with the French “Return to Jenin” project team (Jos Dray, Anne Marie Lattrimoliar, Bruna Le Biodo and Malha Ben Taleb), with 20 professional photographers participating from Jenin camp presenting their pictures of life in Jenin refugee camp and about the beauty of their Palestine and Jerusalem which is still inaccessible for most. TFT also supported the Association of the Community Development Step in organizing its exhibition about the martyr Naji Al-Ali; “On the Day of Hanadzala”, was included in the activities of “Resistance Literature” for the Youth Partnership Forum in Jenin, organized at the Arab American University. Cine-Club In 2016 Jenin lost its only cinema when Cinema Jenin was demolished, since then TFT have been doing our bit to keep the culture of cinema alive in our community by offering film screenings and discussions for children, youth and adults from Jenin camp and the wider Jenin area. 11 different films were shown for adults and children, besides 3 other kids films during Cultural Ramadan events.
CHILD & YOUTH Summer Camp Building on the success of the summer camp in 2017, this summer we held a twi-woek summer camp for over 45 children aged between 8-12 years. Our summer camp provided all the children with the opportunity to learn, explore and create. Over the fortnight the children enjoyed a wide range of artistic activities, including acting, drama, dance (hip-hop and dabkeh), drawing, music and circus, along with film screenings, as well as creating team-building exercises to encourage children to find ways Innovative to overcome age, gender and psychological barriers. All this was in preparation for launching a program using theatrical tools to play with children, which was revitalized at the beginning of the year 2019. Winter Camp We also held a winter camp at the start of 2018 (January) targeting children from the age of 6 years and above, with activities of play and extracurricular education, whilst providing safe spaces for children during the winter vacation. 28 children attended the drawing and photography workshops over a week period. Theatre Clubs The theatre clubs are a way for The Freedom Theatre to expand our reach beyond Jenin refugee camp and town, giving space for talented young people across the northern region to explore their passion for theatre and later apply to our professional training in acting, devising and cultural resistance. Through the clubs, we also engage young artists as facilitators and offer them opportunities of capacity-building through training by specialists in drama and theatre. The theatre clubs are also a preparation for the next class of The Freedom Theatre School, aimed to begin in September 2018. The clubs enable talented young people to get experience of theatre so that they can later apply to the school.
OTHER EVENTS Festival and Forum on Cultural Resistance One of the most significant events in 2018 was the Celebration of Cultural Resistance festival in April. This event commemorated The Freedom Theatre’s eleven years of being part of the vibrant cultural resistance movement in Palestine, the anniversary of the unsolved 2011 murder of our co-founder Juliano Mer Khamis, as well as of the large scale invasion of Jenin refugee camp in 2002. We held four days of events, activities, meetings and political theatre performances: ‘And Here I Am’, ‘Return to Palestine’, ‘Meramieh’ and ‘Oranges and Stones’ were presented across the four day event. Attended by Friends from US and France as well as visitors from Germany, Belgium, Austria, UK, Italy and of course Palestine. The Film crew from Chile were also present during the festival documenting for the final part of ‘The Freedom Theatre movie’, led by filmaker Jaime Villarreal. International Women’s Day TFT in collaboration with Sida and PPAN hosted an event for International Women’s Day in Nablus, Hamdi Menko centre. The event brought together people from Nablus, Jenin, Jerusalem and other parts of Palestine with music, theatre, dance, and discussions highlighting the situation of women and the need for gender equality in Palestine. The day was a joint collaboration with Consulate General of Sweden in Jerusalem, Palestinian Performing Arts Network and The Freedom Theatre. It was an important day, celebrating the achievements of Palestinian women and highlighting the challenges faced towards gender equality and women’s full participation in all sectors of society. Cultural Ramadan Events TFT planned to hold events every Tuesday and Thursday evening throughout the month of Ramadan with a string of film screenings for children as well as various artistic performancs by artists from across the West Bank. Thursday evening events included different kinds of music, comedy and theatre. A first for TFT, renowned rappers from Palestine and Jordan came to Jenin to perform and the audience went wild! Psychedelic, Shi3rap and Synaptik rapped the stage away and they were accompanied by renowned comedian Adi Khalefa.
Hosting Performances, Events and Organisations The Freedom Theatre hosted performances by Al Harah Theatre, Ashtar Theatre, Yes Theatre, The Popular Theatre, Palestinian Circus School, and and many other groups: 1. ‘Hetalieh’ - a kids play, produced by Al-Harah Theater, which targeted children between the ages of 3-6. 2.’ The Emigrants’ produced by Yes Theater, directed by Ihab Zahdeh, performed by Raed Al-Shyoukhi and Muhammad Al-Taiti. 3. Station No. 48, by TERHAL band for contemporary circus; In the context of Al-Nakba 70th (Catastrophe), a show that featured artistic talents such as: circus, acrobatics, contemporary dance, singing and clowning. 4. Dirar Kalash with Cactus Truck (free jazz show) with participation of the saxophone, electric bus and guitar, and drums. 5. ‘Fosaha’ – a circus show by Nablus Circus School. 6. ‘On the Borders’ by the Al-Rowad Association for Culture and Arts in the framework of their joint cooperation between Aida camp youth in Bethlehem and the French Ecclesia theater 7. ‘Do not be a compares in this play’ by Rasael Theatrical Troupe, PPAN initiatives. 8. ‘Abu Al-Khizran Tours’ produced by the Popular Theater, directed by Fathi Abdel Rahman. 9. ‘Hip-Hop Geez’ by Stereo 48 Dance Group. 10. ‘Performances from Gaza’ – a collection of short English plays for girls from the Gaza Strip 11. Alaa Abu Diab presented a Stand up Comedy show. 12. ‘The Absent Party Is Not Faulty’ producted by Al-Jawwal Theatre, directed, written and performed by Hassan Taha and Muhammad Dabdoub 13. ‘Christmas in the Valley’ produced by Al-Harah Theater; is a children’s play adapted from the cartoon series “Valley of Safety”.
Hosting visitors Over 3,000 people, from both Palestine and abroad, visited the theatre to learn more about our programmes and activities. Social Media The Freedom Theatre’s online visibility expanded through our intentional efforts to increase our presence in Arabic social media channels. At the end of the year, there were over 23,706 likes on the Arabic and English Facebook pages. • TFT Facebook (English), Likes: 13,411 • TFT Facebook (Arabic), Likes: 12,275 • Freedom Bus Facebook (English), Likes: 4,139 • Twitter, English, Followers: 2,352 • Twitter, Arabic, Followers: 66 • Instagram (English), Followers: 1,971 • Instagram (Arabic), Followers: 1,500 • Websites (2018), users: 45,00 and sessions: 55,000 • Email lists: 19,000 Media coverage The Freedom Theatre was featured in over 30 media outlets internationally, in countries such as Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, Sweden, France, Luxembourg and USA. 2018 Numbers Audience members in Palestine 20,000 Audience members outside Palestine 15,000 Participants in trainings and workshops in Palestine 500 Visitors to The Freedom Theatre 3,000 Social media outreach 1.5 million Performances in Palestine 47 Performances outside Palestine 13 Countries performed and presented in 9
ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES Membership The Freedom Theatre Association had 55 members during 2017. The members were encouraged to engage in The Freedom Theatre’s activities as participants, spectators and volunteers, and, in addition to the General Assembly, one meeting was arranged for members. Board of directors The members of the board of The Freedom Theatre, as elected at the General Assembly in May 2016, are the following: Abdulrahman Zubeidi (AZ) Bilal Al-Sadi, Chairperson (BS) Ghassan Tirawi (GT) Ibrahim Abu Khalifa (IA) Ibrahim Ramadan, Treasurer (IR) Imad Abu-Hantash, Vice chairperson (IH) Mohammad Ruzzi, Secretary (MR) Shiren Jarrar, Secretary of the artistic committee (SJ) Suhail Naffa (SN) NETWORKS AND PARTNERSHIPS Palestinian Performing Arts Network (PPAN) The Freedom Theatre is a founding and current member of the Palestinian Performing Arts Network (PPAN), which connects performing arts organisations in a network that aims to “contribute towards the development of a democratic and pluralistic society that respects human rights and enhances Palestinian national identity”. By acting as a collective voice towards decisionmakers, the network also advocates for arts and culture to be at the forefront of national priorities. PPAN consists of Al AlKamandjâti Association, Al-Harah Theatre, ASHTAR for Theatre Productions and Training, El-Funoun Palestinian Popular Dance Troupe, Magnificat Institute, Popular Art Centre, The Edward Said National Conservatory Of Music, The Palestinian Circus School, The Popular Theatre Society for Performing Arts and Training, Theatre Day Productions, Wishah Popular Dance troupe, Yes Theatre.
Main partners in Palestine 2018 General Union for Palestinian Women - Jenin Jericho Municipality Al Jalama Municipality Yamun Municipality Bani Naim Municipality Dura Municipality Salfit Municipality Saida Municipality (Tulkarm) Al-Zababdeh Municipality The Danish House Arab American University - Jenin Al-Quds Open University - Jenin branch An-Najah National University - Nablus Birzeit University Al-Rowad Association for Culture and Arts - Aida Camp Cooperative Women Association - Jenin Feminist Skills Association ANNAJADH; Palestinian Women’s Development Society Community Development Step Society - Araba Jordan Valley Solidarity Association Not To Forget Association - Jenin camp The global network of Palestinian refugees and displaced persons Nazareth Folk Art Film-Lab: Palestine Araba Cultural Palace The People’s Committee for the Southern Hebron Hills The People’s Committee for Services in the Jenin refugee camp Ajjah Village Council Faqoua Village Council UNRWA schools in Jenin camp
Nablus Circus School (Assirk Assaghir) Education Directorate - Jenin Creative Center for Culture - Dheesheh camp Social Youth Center in Jenin camp Al-Awda Center - Tulkarm The women’s center in Al-Aroub camp The women’s center in Jenin camp Nablus Municipality Cultural Center (Hamdi Manko) Girls Rehabilitation Center - Ministry of Social Development Naqsh Center for Popular Arts - Jenin Yafa Cultural Center - Balata Camp Al-Kasaba Theatre and Cinematheque - Ramallah WATAR Conservatory of Music NABD Youth Forum Tanweer Palestinian Cultural Enlightenment Forum - Nablus The Directorate of Culture – Jenin Main international partners Folktearn Goteburg, Sweden Filosofiska i Sverige, Sweden Umma Förskolor, Sweden Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA), USA SilverSea Consulting, UK National Academy of Dramatic Arts in Pakistan (NAPA) The Turkish State Theatres – Turkey Liberal(free)Theater – Jordan The Cairo International Festival for Contemporary and Experimental Theatre – Egypt Journées théâtrales de Carthage (JTC) - Tunisia Friends Associations As every year, The Freedom Theatre’s Friends Associations have made invaluable contributions to our work, through networking,
fundraising and representation all over the world. • Associacao dos Amigos do teatro da Liberdade da Palestina. • Frihetsteaterns Vänförening, Malmö, Göteborg and Stockholm, Sweden. • Les Amis du Théâtre de la Liberté de Jénine, France. • The Friends of The Jenin Freedom Theatre, United States. • UK Friends of The Freedom Theatre, United Kingdom. Donors and supporters Open Society Foundation (OSF) Swedish Institute Creative Force Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) through PPAN Tides We are equally grateful to the many individuals all over the world, who supported the theatre through private donations. Each and every one of them are regarded as members of the extended family of The Freedom Theatre. Staff Adnan Naghnaghiye, Location and Stage Manager Ahmed Matahen, Stage Designer and Theatre Technician Baraa Sharqawi, Photography Instructor Rania Wasfi , HR and Theatre Coordinator Haneen Haj Ibrahim, Social Media Coordinator Isra Mustafa, Accountant Miriyam Abu Ateyah, Housekeeper Mohammed Moawia, Multimedia Coordinator Mustafa Sheta, General Director Nabeel Al-Raee, Artistic Director Sami Al-Sadi, Sound Engineer and Theatre Technician Suzan Wasfi, Early Childhood Training Program Coordinator Asma Patel, Senior Development and Communications Officer
Volunteers Agneta Timotej Alisha Van Bever Andreea Midvighi Andy Cummins Bernadette De Heer Bryan McCormack Catherine Mooney Cecelia Marshall Irem Aydemir Jane King Johanna Wallin Jonatan Stanczak Kristina Löhr Liz Pagett Micaela Miranda Michelle Roche Nick Bilbrough Rashi Mishra Suzanne Axelsson Vaimoana Niumeitolu Zoe Lafferty
THE FREEDOM THEATRE FOUNDATION HONORARY BOARD Abeer Kopty Dror Feiler Elias Khoury Etienne Balibar Henry Ascher Howard Brenton Judith Butler Khulood Badawi Luisa Morgantini Michel Khleifi Noam Chomsky Salwa Nakkara Sana’a Badawi Suzanne Osten Taiseer Khatib
Swedish Foundation In addition to being registered as a non-governmental organisation under the Palestinian Authority, The Freedom Theatre is also registered as a foundation in Sweden.
Independent Auditor’s Report To General Assembly of the Freedom Theatre –TFT Jenin – Palestine Opinion We have audited the accompanying financial statements of The Freedom Theatre (TFT), which comprise the statement of financial position as at December 31, 2018, the statement of activities and changes in net assets and the statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information. In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of TFT as at December 31, 2018, and its financial performance and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISAs). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the TFT in accordance with International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants’ Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (IESBA), and we have fulfilled out the ethical responsibilities in accordance with the IESBA code. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Other Matter The financial statement of TFT for the year ended December 31, 2017 were audited by another auditor who expressed an unmodified opinion on those financial statements on June 3, 2018. Responsibilities of management and the board of directors for the financial statements Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reportings standards, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, management is responsible for assessing TFT’s ability to continue as a going concern,
disclosing, as applicable, matters relating to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the TFT or cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so. The board of directors is responsible for overseeing TFT’s financial reporting process. Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with as will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or taken together, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken based on these financial statements. Ramallah – Sama Ramallah Building – 4th Floor Tel: 02-2961561 Fax: 02-2951190 P.O.Box 1075 Ramallah Email: palaudit@palaudit.ps
SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES 2019 January The Freedom Winter Camp for Kids Community Theatre Play “Us Too … Women of Palestine” Tour in West Bank Kids Play “The Little Lantern” Rehearsals Opening: TFT Performing Arts School Announcement: Photography Courses Cine-Club: “Journey of The Freedom Fighter” “And Here I’m” show in Ramallah Hosting of theatrical performances from Al-Harah Theatre (As The Sun Fell). February Kids Play “The Little Lantern” Performances at TFT Theatrical Rehearsals and Comedy Play “London Jenin” Rehearsals Hosting of theatrical performances from Ashtar Theatre (A Right Move). Cine-Club: “Judgement Day” from Egypt Hosting of Monodrama from Al-Sanabel Theatre (Memoirs of Selfie). Cine-Club: “Of Fathers and Sons” from Syria “And Here I’m” show in Tulkarm Photography workshops for Youth Opening: Theatre Club for Kids March Comedy Play “London Jenin” Performances at TFT and West Bank Kids Play “The Little Lantern” Performances in West Bank. Voice and Move Workshops in Jenin and Nablus. Hosting of theatrical performances from Ashtar Theatre (The Down Fall). Multimedia Photo Exhibition “FREEDOM” at Birzeit University “And Here I’m” show in Birzeit. Hosting of storytelling festival by “Hakaya”Palestine Story (Wheat & Oil). Hosting of educational performances by Hand-Up Project (Shows from Gaza). Hosting of theatrical performances from YES Theatre (Engagement). A training course in drama for trainers of theatre clubs for youth and children April “Cultural Resistance Festival of Palestinian Theatre” between April 4 to April 11 with theatre performances of the Palestinian theatres; Al-Madina Theatre, Al-Majd Theatre, Rasael Theatre, along with “And Here I’m”, “Return to Palestine” and “The Little Lantern” theatre plays, beside participated by Italian Theatre within Palestine International Theater Festival for children and youth, and concert by Al-Kamandjâti, in addition; screenings films (The Journey of the Others & Arna’s Children).
“And Here I’m” show in Egypt TFT participation in Palestine International Theater Festival for children and youth with “The Little Lantern”. Hosting of theatrical performances from Al-Harah Theatre (The Dream Master). Hosting a kids play within Palestine International Theater Festival for children and youth from Finland (Flora & Fauna). “RTP” shows in Nablus, Ramallah, and Ya’bad. Cine-Club: “Iqbal” for children Hosting of communitical performance from Dar Al-Kalima University College of Arts and Culture (Maryam; A woman of Bethlehem). Child and Youth Presentation ““The Owner of The Bag”” TFT School Production “Who I Am?” May The Cultural Ramadan Event, between May, 9 to 30, 2019, with theatre play of Palestinian Theatre (El-Hakawati) and indiviual actors, beside a concert by Al-Kamandjâti. “And Here I’m” show in Slovenia Kids Play “Louse & Lice” Rehearsals Cine Club: screenings films for kids during Ramadan June Kids Play “Louse & Lice” Performances at TFT and West Bank Hosting of The Performing Arts Show from Ashtar Theatre (Enheduanna). July TFT School Production “Ruler/Executioner”, on the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, in partnership with The UN Human Rights Office in the occupied Palestinian territory, and in collaboration with the Treatment and Rehabilitation Center for Victims of Torture, this event supported by the European Union Hosting of RAP Event ; “Mid-Week Party” Hosting of theatrical performances from Nablus performing art and circus school (Yahia). “Louse & Lice” show in Nablus The Freedom Summer Camp for Kids; with 85 children between July, 1 to 18, 2020, with a artistic presentation, the camp will include the following sections: Teaching children through theatrical games Drawing and making puppets Dabke and dance August Hosting a move show from The Palestinian Circus School (Mobile Circus). TFT School Production “Comedian Improvisation” Cine Club: hosting a short films screenings from Dar Al-Kalima University College of Arts and Culture “Louse & Lice” show in Nazareth Hosting a lecture from Palesyinian Association for Cultural Development “NAWA”, about (Our Missing Voices) Puppet Play “Fairuz Secret” Rehearsals
September Hosting of The Performing Arts Show from Tarhal Band of Contemporary Circus (Station No. 48). Hosting of theatrical performances from Al-Kasaba Theatre (The Mrs’s Dog). Puppet Play “Fairuz Secret” Performances at TFT and West Bank October “Fairuz Secret” Performances in Nablus, Tubas, Jenin, Jenin Camp, and Nazareth The Experimental Freedom Bus, with TFT School Student, between October 9 to 12, 2019, in Jordan Valley, Hebron, and Bethlehem TFT School Production “PlayBack” TFT participation in The Palestinian National Theatre Festival with “London Jenin” November TFT School Production “Outside-In” Hosting of The Performing Arts Show by Clowns Sans Frontière from France “Louse & Lice” shows in Sulam and Jerusalem Stand Up Comedy Show organized by TFT Comedy Club Cine-Club: “JOKER” from USA Hosting of The Performing Arts Show “The Jungle Book” by Compagnie Acte II from France “And Here I’m” show in France December TFT School Production “Wardrobe” TFT participation in The Neapolis International Festival of Kids’ Theatre in Tunisia with “Fairuz Secret” “Louse & Lice” shows in Beit Jann
Friends Associations in USA, UK, France, Sweden & Portugal
We need you! The Freedom Theatre is a member organisation and we are nothing without our members. As a member, we kindly ask you to: - Participate in our performances, activities and events, and make suggestions for future activities. - Share information about our performances, activities and events, on social media and elsewhere, to spread the work of The Freedom Theatre and cultural resistance to more people. - Join us as a volunteer in our afterschool activities, events and community initiatives, reinforcing the spirit of volunteerism in our community. If you live outside Palestine, you can support us by: - Sharing information about The Freedom Theatre on social media and elsewhere - Joining one of our current Friends associations or starting a new one. - Applying for a volunteer position at The Freedom Theatre. - Endorsing the BDS movement. - Making a monthly or annual donation to our work.
www.thefreedomtheatre.org
The Freedom Theatre - Organisational overview - Annual Report 2018 - Summary of Activities 2019