Theatre and War Workshop Series: Part 2

Nawar Bulbul, award-winning actor, director and playwright from Syria, presents a series of documentaries and performance for the public as part of Performance as Public Practice's Theatre and War Workshop Series. Bulbul became widely known for his acting work in Bab Al-Hara, one of the most popular television series in the Arab world. He works with other refugees in theatrical productions which have received international acclaim. Bulbul's work in Zaatari has been profiled in The New York Times and the Guardian.

Events are free and seating is limited. Public events include:

Monday, February 12: Documentary and Discussion: Shakespeare in Zaatari
8:00 p.m. | WIN 2.112

This award-winning documentary explores Bulbul's work with over 100 children in Zaatari Refugee Camp (Jordan). The film demonstrates how community and identity can be rebuilt through a theatrical production. Conversely it also hints at potential risks to the community once the program is completed and discontinued.

Tuesday, February 13: Documentary and Discussion: Romeo and Juliet
8:00 p.m. | WIN 2.112

This documentary from ARTE TV in France examines the production of Romeo and Juliet in Amman, Jordan. Nawar and children living in a clinic for wounded Syrians perform Shakespeare's classic tragedy over Skype with another group of children living under siege in Homs, Syria. This film focuses heavily on the risks and rewards of doing theatre in regime occupied areas of Syria, especially when the message of the work is anti-war.

Thursday, February 15: Documentary and Discussion: Love Boat
8:00 p.m. | WIN 2.112

Love Boat chronicles the rehearsal process of the six displaced amateur actors (five Syrian; one Palestinian), the director and the assistant director as they work to produce a new play about seeking refuge by traveling by boat across the sea. Through this documentary the audience learns about some of the amazing people involved in the Syrian revolution such as Alma Shahoud who was imprisoned for speaking out against Assad and then raped repeatedly while in captivity. This documentary speaks powerfully to the resilience of people in unspeakable circumstances.

Friday, February 16: Workshop Performances
6:00 p.m. | WIN 1.108

Student performances generated through and in response to Nawar Bulbul's series workshops presented to Department of Theatre and Dance students.

Friday, February 16: Mawlana
6:30 p.m. | WIN 1.108

A monodrama written by Fares al Zahaby and performed live by Nawar Bulbul.

The Theatre and War Workshop Series asks: How does theatre function in a space where violence is enacted daily? How does ongoing conflict fuel and challenge the pieces made? And how do we produce theatrical work about/for populations who have experienced conflict and displacement when that hasn’t been our experience?

It is presented by the Academic Enrichment Fund from the UT Graduate School, The Rapoport Center for Human Rights and Justice, The Student Government Association, The Department of Theatre and Dance, and the department's Drama and Theatre and Youth and Communities program and Performance as Public Practice Program.