DEADLIFT الحَمّالون

A Palestinian-Dutch co-production about human resilience

New York, Avignon, Dublin: the intense, cinematic theatre work of Palestinian director Bashar Murkus has a global impact. His new performance, DEADLIFT, is a unique collaboration between the Palestinian theatre company Al-Harah from Palestine, Boy Jonkergouw Producties from the Netherlands and the Swedish Riksteatern.

Murkus draws inspiration from a painting by Palestinian painter Suleiman Mansour, Jamal Al Mahamel, which depicts a man carrying an entire city (Jerusalem) on his back. In DEADLIFT, Murkus explores how much a person can bear. Where is the breaking point? When does the struggle against destruction turn into an act of destruction? Featuring a Palestinian cast of performers, DEADLIFT presents a poetic tribute to the resilience of people in distress.

Al-Harah is dedicated to building and maintaining a society that emphasizes human rights, democracy, and freedom of expression. Boy Jonkergouw Producties, creates, produces and presents cultural expressions and educational programs focused on human rights and social justice.

A contextual side program to the show will be presented by PAX Peace Organization and Podium LUX.

DEADLIFT is a visual performance. No Dutch required.