This winter, a historic cultural moment will unfold as The Freedom Theatre of Jenin, Palestine, prepares to perform in Ireland for the very first time. The visit comes at a time when Palestinian artists across the world are facing severe restrictions on movement and opportunities to perform. At the same time, their counterparts in Ireland continue to work and travel freely.

In response to these stark inequalities, Cairde Amharclann na Saoirse in Éirinn (Friends of The Freedom Theatre Ireland) has invited 18 Palestinian artists to Ireland to live and work collaboratively in January 2026. The initiative aims to create space for cultural exchange, solidarity and artistic freedom, while amplifying Palestinian voices that are increasingly marginalised on the global stage.

Founded in 2006 in the Jenin Refugee Camp, The Freedom Theatre has long been recognised as a vital cultural and political institution in Palestine. Co-founded by Palestinian Jewish actor and director Juliano Mer Khamis alongside Zakaria Zubeidi, the theatre was built on a radical belief in art as a form of resistance and liberation.

Despite immense challenges, including occupation, repeated raids and the recent ransacking and occupation of its building, as well as the forced evacuation of Jenin Refugee Camp, the theatre has endured.

Juliano Mer Khamis, who was assassinated in 2011, left behind a powerful legacy. For nearly two decades, The Freedom Theatre has continued to nurture generations of artists, grounding its work in dignity, imagination and collective survival. Through original productions, it reflects on and challenges contemporary Palestinian society, while addressing themes of resilience, justice and freedom.

Central to its mission is the engagement of young people. Through initiatives such as its Theatre School, The Freedom Theatre equips participants with creative tools, empowering them to tell their own stories and advocate for change through performance.

Cairde Amharclann na Saoirse in Éirinn was established to support and promote the theatre’s work, vision and ethos in Ireland. Led by Palestinian-Irish artist Gráinnemir Abualrob, a graduate of The Freedom Theatre, the organisation aims to create shared cultural spaces rooted in solidarity, skill-sharing, and cultural resistance as a means of empowerment for oppressed communities.

The group is inviting the public to become Friends of The Freedom Theatre in Ireland by contributing to related costs via iDonate. As The Freedom Theatre prepares to step onto Irish stages, its presence stands as a powerful reminder of art’s capacity to cross borders and  resist erasure