Palestinian youth theater director is speaking in Sonoma
The director of a theater program for children living in Aida Refugee Camp near Bethlehem will be speaking about a program he calls “Beautiful Resistance,” Sunday, April 29, at Vintage House in Sonoma, from 3 to 5:30 p.m.
Palestinian Abdelfattah “Abed” Abusrour is the director of Al-Rowwad Cultural and Theatre Training Center in Aida Refugee Camp just outside of Bethlehem. An independent center for artistic, cultural, and theatre training for Palestinian youth, Al-Rowwad provides a “safe” and healthy environment to help Palestinian children creatively discharge the stress caused by the wartime conditions in which they live.
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The occupation of Palestine has a demoralizing psychological effect on Palestinian youth. As a result, an increasing number of them are dropping out of school, joining radical political movements and becoming prone to violence. These children are losing hope and faith in themselves, their families and their sense of belonging. Abed Abusrour started Al-Rowwad (The Pioneers) Cultural and Theatre Training Center in an effort to combat these effects and inspire young Palestinians to become promoters of non-violence and cultural resistance.
The center offers programs in sports and the arts, through which the children can express themselves. It helps provide the youngest generation in Aida with positive experiences that counteract the futility of growing up in a refugee camp. With close participation by parents and the community, Abed inspires these children to carry their newly found confidence and inspiration beyond the camp’s borders and into adulthood.
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Vintage House is located at 264 First Street East in Sonoma. Admission is a suggested donation of $5 to $10, with all of the money going to Al-Rowwad Cultural and Theatre Training Center. Nobody will be turned away for lack of funds. After the presentation there will be a question and answer period with light refreshments.
This event is sponsored by North Coast Coalition for Palestine, Friends of Sabeel North America, Sonoma County Peace and Justice Center, Sonoma Mid East Study Group and Sonoma Valley Peace and Justice.
Media Contact: Kenny Walter, 707-494-4805, kenny.t.walter@gmail.com
