The Palestinian play Deep Voices, a production by Maltidrama Association for Culture and Theatre in Switzerland and Al-Kasaba Theatre in Palestine, was presented to a full house at Al-Hanager Theatre on Monday, 28 September. This was part of the 4th edition of the Eazees International Women’s Theatre Festival. The play is directed by Jordanian theatre-maker Sawsan Darwaza and written and performed by Palestinian-Jordanian actress Tahani Salim.
Deep Voices is a documentary monodrama that follows the experience of Farah Al-Ghoul, a young woman repeatedly displaced in Gaza. The production draws on her diaries and incorporates testimonies from other women who experienced displacement during the war. The play connects Farah's story to the wider experiences of women affected by displacement, rather than presenting it as an isolated experience.
The production uses real video footage, journalistic reports, archival material, and recorded testimonies, creating a structure that moves between theatre and cinema. A large piece of fabric serves as a backdrop for changing projections, a central element of the scenography created by Hala Shehab. The fabric is transformed into a tent, a space, and a form of protection, evoking the conditions of displacement and war.
Deep Voices has previously been presented in several cities, including Amman, Beirut, Kuwait, Zurich, and Casablanca. In May, it received two awards at the inaugural Krakow Monodrama Festival in Poland, including the award for best actress for Salim. The production's Cairo presentation was attended by several artists from the Egyptian and Arab theatre community, in addition to a large audience.
The 4th edition of the Eazees International Women's Theatre Festival runs until 2 October, presenting Egyptian, Arab, and international productions alongside workshops, discussions, and other activities. The festival features a variety of events and activities, showcasing the talents of women in theatre and providing a platform for their voices to be heard.
The play's use of multimedia elements and powerful storytelling has resonated with audiences, highlighting the impact of displacement on women and the importance of sharing their stories. By incorporating different elements and perspectives, Deep Voices creates a nuanced and thought-provoking portrayal of the experiences of women in conflict zones.
The Eazees International Women's Theatre Festival continues to provide a vital platform for women's voices in theatre, showcasing a range of productions and hosting workshops and discussions. The festival's focus on promoting women's theatre and empowering female artists is reflected in its diverse programme and commitment to highlighting underrepresented voices.
Key points
- The Palestinian play Deep Voices draws on the diaries of a young woman displaced in Gaza and incorporates testimonies from other women who experienced displacement during the war.
- The production has previously been presented in several cities and received two awards at the inaugural Krakow Monodrama Festival in Poland.
- The 4th edition of the Eazees International Women's Theatre Festival runs until 2 October, featuring Egyptian, Arab, and international productions alongside workshops and discussions.
