JERICHO, April 21, 2012 (WAFA) – In the oldest city in the world, next to the Dead Sea, Shakespeare came to life again on Friday night thanks to a partnership between the London’s Globe Theatre and Ashtar Palestinian Theatre.

Actors from Ashtar staged Shakespeare’s “Richard II” amidst the ruins of Hisham’s Palace as a part of the Globe to Globe international theatre festival.

Edward Muallem, an actor, director, drama trainer and co-founder of Ashtar Theatre said, “We chose Hisham’s Palace, because it’s a historical place, and we’re trying to revive the historical sites, culturally.”

He added, “This is the first time for us as actors to have a play in a historical, open-air theatre.  Our task is to transform stones into culture. As actors, the biggest challenge for us is to stage the play in an open-air place, not in a closed venue, because of the distracting noise from the environment.”

Iman Aoun, actress, producer and co-founder of Ashtar Theatre said: “The idea for this play came from the Globe Theatre, which chose Ashtar for the British Culture Olympics. Ashtar Theatre chose this place because it’s such a realistic setting for a play about a king.”

The play will represent Palestine at the Cultural Olympics in London.

The Globe to Globe festival will stage 37 Shakespearean plays in 37 countries, in partnership with local theatre companies, in 2012.

M.S.