The Strength in Us

The Strength in Us was a performance benefit for The Freedom Theater of Jenin organized by 55B and Noelle Ghoussaini, presented by Irondale, and in partnership with The Friends of Jenin, New York Theatre Workshop, Noor Theatre, and Waterwell.

Featuring Palestinian-American artists Fouad Dakwar, emceeing the event, Amel Khalil performing stand-up poetry, and Omar Ahmad sharing music. In addition, Amel and Fouad perform brand new material from The Revolution’s Promise - a collection of testimonies from artists across Palestine. Two cinematic shorts preview Alaa Shehada's The Horse of Jenin and his work with The Palestine Comedy Club.

March 29, 2024, Irondale, Brooklyn, NY

Presented by: Irondale
Producers: 55B & Noelle Ghoussaini
Partners: The Friends of Jenin, New York Theatre Workshop, Noor Theatre, and Waterwell
Artists: Fouad Dakwar, Amel Khalil, Omar Ahmad, Ahmed Tobasi, Alaa Shehada

"We have admired the work of The Freedom Theatre for many years. As Bertolt Brecht said, "in the dark times there will also be singing." Their work with youth in the refugee camps saves lives. We believe that art making builds bridges and heals communities."

Terry Greiss, Co-founder and Executive Director of Irondale

Nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in February 2024, The Freedom Theatre is a theatre and cultural center in Jenin refugee camp, Occupied Palestine. They stage professional theatre productions, hold theatre workshops in the refugee camp, Jenin town and villages, offer training in acting, pedagogy and photography, and publish books, exhibitions, and short films. Since opening their doors in 2006, they have made theatre and visual art available to every young person in Jenin refugee camp. The Freedom Theatre has created a generation of artists and leaders, who one day will be at the forefront of the Palestinian liberation movement.