By Nora Laraki
Nora Laraki is a German-Moroccan curator, creative producer, and researcher. She currently works as a Producer for Artsadmin, where she supports artists in developing new ideas and touring work internationally. Nora has a particular interest in art from the Middle East and North Africa. In this guest blog for Shubbak, she shares her recommendations for Arab and diaspora art at the Fringe 2024.
LinkedIn: Nora Laraki
Twitter: @Nora_Laraki
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A Non-Exhaustive List of Arab Art and Talent at the Fringe 2024
The first week of the Edinburgh Fringe has come and gone, with three more weeks of shows and events ahead. Every year, the Fringe draws thousands of audiences, industry professionals, and programmers from around the globe, all faced with the difficult task of choosing what to watch from over 1,600 shows. As I was exploring this year’s programme, I found it quite challenging to track down performances by or featuring Arab artists. Only a handful of shows featuring Arab artists are categorized under the “Artists of Colour” tag, and even fewer appear when filtering by country. But don’t let the search results deceive you—there is a wealth of Arab talent at the Fringe this year!
To make a start, I’ve put together this list, which is by no means exhaustive, but a starting point. The breadth of work by Arab artists at the Fringe is remarkable, from A Knock on the Roof, a highly relevant piece that speaks to the lived realities of Palestinians today, to My English Persian Kitchen, written by the award-winning and beloved Irish-Palestinian playwright Hannah Khalil. There’s also Dummy in Diaspora by Esho Rasho, a touching solo show that explores the experience of growing up as the child of refugees in America.
I want to give a special mention to Cosmos by Ashtar Muallem, which I saw last week. This poignant mix of dance, acrobatics, and storytelling weaves together Ashtar’s memories of growing up in Jerusalem, reflections on her persecuted homeland, and the blurred lines between reality and imagination, bringing a powerful awareness of Palestinian struggles to an international stage. Though Cosmos only ran until August 11th, it will be touring internationally, and I highly recommend catching it at one of its future presentations. Word on the street is it might be making its way to London in 2025.
While I haven’t had the chance to watch every show on this list, I wanted to share what I’ve found so far. This is just a way to highlight the incredible talent present at the Fringe, and there may be even more shows by Arab artists that I haven’t yet discovered. If you come across any, feel free to send us a note and we’ll add to the list!
Theatre & Performance Art:
A Knock on the Roof, by Khawla Ibraheem
(Aug 13-18, 20-25): In this gripping solo show, Mariam prepares for the terrifying possibility of a 'Knock on the Roof,' frantically practicing how far she can run and what she can carry before a bomb hits her home in Gaza, capturing the lived reality of Palestinians today.
My English Persian Kitchen, written by Hannah Khalil, directed by Chris White and starring Isabella Nefar
(Aug 9-11, 13-18, 20-25): A woman forced to flee her home uses the tastes and aromas of Persian cuisine to rebuild her life and community in a heartwarming play that explores loss, memory, and the power of food.
Cosmos, by Ashtar Muallem
(Aug 9-11): Ashtar takes audiences on an existential journey in Cosmos, blending humor, spirituality, and memories of her persecuted homeland, to explore the blurred lines between reality and imagination.
Dummy in Diaspora, by Esho Rasho
(Aug 10-11, 13-18, 20-25): In this raw and relatable solo play, Essa, a Middle Eastern American boy, explores identity, belonging, and the struggles of growing up in a world that feels indifferent to his existence.
The Shroud Maker, written and directed by Ahmed Masoud, performed by Julia Tarnoky
(Aug 10-13, 15-25): This compelling black comedy follows Hajja Souad, a shroud seller in Gaza, as she navigates 70 years of life, blending humor and tragedy to paint a vivid portrait of Palestinian resilience.
Comedy, Stand-up:
Mustafa Algiyadi: Almost Legal Alien
(Aug 9-11, 13-25): Libyan comedian Mustafa Algiyadi hilariously navigates the cultural differences he faces while trying to fit into European life, offering sharp comedic insights on everything from being deported from the UK to blending in in Germany and growing up in Libya.
Isabelle Farah: Nebuchadnezzar
(Aug 9-11, 13-18, 21-25): Isabelle Farah delivers a silly and irreverent hour of stand-up, weaving a love story set in Ancient Babylon with characters, pop culture references, and only a hint of historical accuracy.
2 Muslim 2 Furious, by Aisha Amanduri and Hasan Al-Habib
(Aug 9-11, 13-18, 20-25): British Muslim comedians Aisha Amanduri and Hasan Al-Habib bring their sharp wit and unique perspectives to 2 Muslim 2 Furious, a work-in-progress stand-up show that challenges stereotypes with clever, edgy humor.
Books & Poetry:
Voices of Resilience
(18 Aug): An evening of powerful testimonies and poetry inspired by Palestinian resilience, featuring readings, traditional oud music, and visual scores, followed by a Q&A with artists and activists.
Raja Shehadeh: What Does Israel Fear From Palestine?
(Aug 15): Raja Shehadeh, a leading Palestinian writer and activist, discusses his latest work on the history and ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel, exploring its past, present, and possible future.
N S Nuseibeh: A Woman Found
(Aug 18): British-Palestinian writer NS Nuseibeh discusses her essay collection Namesake: Reflections on a Warrior Woman, exploring her identity as a Muslim and Arab feminist and her connection to her namesake, the warrior woman Nusayba.