"Romeo And Juliet In Gaza" is one more proof that the themes in William Shakespeare classics are both timeless and universal. "Romeo and Juliet" was given a particularly Palestinian twist tackling the deadly Hamas and Fatah rivalry in Gaza on a theater stage.
According to The New York Times, "Romeo And Juliet In Gaza" adapted the Shakespeare favorite with Romeo Montague seen in young Yousef, whose father is a member of the militant group Hamas. Juliet Capulet, on the other hand, was written into the character of young Suha whose parent is fanatic over the Fatah party.
Fatah versus Hamas families in Gaza version of classic "Romeo and Juliet" https://t.co/ZdvSwz20lh pic.twitter.com/RP5hBqlZLs
— WTOP (@WTOP) May 5, 2016
"Romeo And Juliet In Gaza" was not only designed to entertain. The Shakespeare classic was also a commentary on the crippling political rivalry between the Hamas and Fatah parties in Gaza.
Ansa Med reports that "Romeo And Juliet In Gaza" is directed by Ali Abu Yassin, whose success transcended limitations and challenges in the Gaza Strip. "It's a call for love; to give a space for love and for youths to dream of a beautiful future away from the current state in Gaza, especially the youths and their suffering," Ali Abu Yassin said.
Ali Abu Yassin in collaboration with known novelist Atef Abu Saif developed the material for "Romeo And Juliet In Gaza." To Ali Abu Yassin and Atef Abu Saif, the tragedies of the Shakespeare classic and life in Gaza bear strong similarities.
Electricity outages continue in #Gaza. Now it is 6 hours ON and about 18 hours Off! #dailylife pic.twitter.com/OoWREs89Ds — Mohammed Omer (@Mogaza) 4 May 2016
Hamas control recently prevented both academic and national personalities from proceeding with a unity-call conference. Nonetheless, "Romeo And Juliet In Gaza" successfully ran eight shows on its modest stage in April.
The "Romeo And Juliet In Gaza" audience were appreciative of the material. Reports say the crowd responded with applause, laughter and standing ovation to "Romeo And Juliet In Gaza."
"Romeo And Juliet In Gaza" ends different from the Shakespeare version. Rather than the final suicides of Romeo and Juliet, Yousef leaves on a boat to illegally migrate to Europe while Suha is left behind.
"Romeo And Juliet In Gaza" coincidentally staged on the 400th death anniversary of William Shakespeare. The British Council is collaborating to bring "Romeo And Juliet In Gaza" back to stage again.
