JERUSALEM, March 12, 2010 (WAFA)- The U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem and the Palestinian National Theater “Al Hakawati” have joined forces on an innovative cultural exchange program that brings together American and Palestinian theater professionals to create an original, bilingual Arabic/English play entitled “From Jerusalem with Love… Naji.” 

Opening at Al Hakawati on Friday, March 12, 2010 at 7:00 p.m., the production touches on themes of family, friendship, and solidarity.  Performances will take place throughout the West Bank through March 25, 2010. 

'From Jerusalem with Love… Naji” reflects the work of a team of Palestinian and American actors, theater technicians, a playwright and a director, who conducted an intensive eight-week in-residency program at Al Hakawati Theater in East Jerusalem sponsored by the U.S. Consulate General.  Using improvisational acting techniques and a collaborative writing approach, the group created a 90-minute production that tells the story of a fictitious character named Naji and his search for his long-lost American sister.  The play, written by Azzam Abu Saud and directed by Kamel El Basha, is enjoyable for audiences of all ages. 

Speaking about the play, the General Manager of Al Hakawati, Jamal Ghsoheh said, “Written in both English and Arabic, this play carries a fundamentally human message revealing the importance of cultural exchange.  The production is part of a long-standing partnership between the Palestinian National Theater and the Cultural Affairs Office of the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem.  More than just a great play, this project is helping to promote the future of the Palestinian theater movement, while simultaneously developing a long-term relationship with American theater professionals.”

Mik Kuhlman, an American actor from Seattle, Washington, noted, “I was so pleased to participate in this program.  This play came about from a simple exchange of stories between Palestinians and Americans and, through this process of sharing our stories, we have developed a greater understanding of each other.  I have been profoundly impressed by the power of such a simple form of cultural exchange.  And I have also been moved by the hospitality of our Palestinian hosts and inspired by their joy for life and ability to carry on their work in theater despite the daily challenges they face here.”