RAMALLAH, October 5, 2011 (WAFA) – Ashtar Theatre Wednesday held the wake ceremony of the late Palestinian theatre director, Francois Abu Salem, at the theatre’s location in the city of Ramallah.

Dozens of Palestinian theatre professionals, artists, and intellectuals attended the wake, along with college students and Palestinian and international fans of Abu Salem.

In an unorthodox approach, several members of the theatre community conducted sketches while others gave eulogies in attribution to the late director’s work.

The funeral procession moved to Qalandia checkpoint between Ramallah and Jerusalem, where the attendance will see off Abu Salem’s body to be buried in Jerusalem later today.

Abu Salem is considered one of the leading founders of contemporary Palestinian theatre, having co-founded El-Hakawati Theatre Company, the origin of the Palestinian National Theatre, in East Jerusalem.

R.Q./F.J.