To The Good People of Gaza: Theatre for Young People by Jackie Lubeck and Theatre Day Productions

This anthology of youth plays from Gaza and the Palestinian region explores the experiences of Gazan youth during the siege and military operations from 2009 to 2014. Written by Jackie Lubeck, the plays reflect the trauma, loss, and urban destruction experienced by the youth and showcase their resilience and resourcefulness. The anthology is organized into five thematic series, including family entanglements, loss, and the fundamental goodness of human beings.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 16 June 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This timely collection, the first anthology of youth plays from Gaza and the broader Palestinian region, brings together nineteen plays produced by Theatre Day Productions, one of the foremost community theatres in the Middle East. Written by playwright Jackie Lubeck, this collection responds to the siege on Gaza and the Israeli military operations from 2009 to 2014, reflecting how Gazan youth deal with trauma, loss, and urban destruction.

Within the nineteen plays included in this anthology, the reader and theatrical producer are witnesses to the experiences of a forgotten youth, besieged by a silent international community and a brutal wall. The plays are arranged into five distinct thematic series, including family entanglements, loss, and the fundamental goodness and resourcefulness of human beings.

The first series, titled "Family Ties," explores the complex relationships between parents and children, particularly in the context of conflict. In "The Wall," a father struggles to maintain his relationship with his son, who has been recruited by the resistance movement. "The Last Train Home," on the other hand, portrays a family's desperate attempt to escape Gaza during the 2014 war.

The second series, titled "Loss and Grief," delves into the emotional toll of loss and trauma. In "The Weight of Silence," a young girl struggles to cope with the death of her mother during the war. "The Sound of Silence," meanwhile, explores the silence and isolation experienced by those who have been displaced by the conflict.

The third series, titled "The Goodness of Human Beings," showcases the resilience and resourcefulness of Gazan youth in the face of adversity. In "The Garden," a group of children create a makeshift playground in a refugee camp, using whatever materials they can find. "The Hope Project," on the other hand, portrays a young man's determination to rebuild his community after the war.

The fourth series, titled "Urban Destruction," explores the physical and psychological impact of urban destruction on Gazan youth. In "The City," a young boy witnesses the destruction of his home and community during the war. "The Memory Box," on the other hand, portrays a young woman's attempt to preserve memories of her past before the conflict.

The fifth series, titled "The Future of Gaza," explores the hopes and dreams of Gazan youth for a better future. In "The Seeds of Hope," a group of young people plant seeds in a community garden, symbolizing their determination to rebuild and thrive in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, this anthology of youth plays from Gaza and the broader Palestinian region offers a powerful and poignant exploration of the experiences of a forgotten youth. Through the lens of theatre, these plays shed light on the trauma, loss, and resilience of Gazan youth, and remind us of the importance of supporting and uplifting their voices.

Weight: 458g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350261815