Jafawiya Festival Celebrates 10 Years of Arab Creativity in Jaffa

The 10th annual Jafawiya Festival, organized by the Arab Al-Saraya Theater in Jaffa under the theme 'Green Land,' commenced on Tuesday and will run until Friday, September 25. The festival features a diverse program of theater, dance, music, cinema, and visual arts, aiming to foster a Palestinian female space for creativity and connection in Jaffa.

This year's edition highlights the theater's decade-long commitment to the festival, showcasing both its own productions and invited artistic works. The events are spread across Al-Saraya Theater, Al-Mitahna Gallery, and various cafes and cultural spaces throughout Jaffa.

Opening events included a dialogue session titled 'The Impact of Harassment: How Do We Support?' featuring Amal Khamis and Nidhal Moussa, discussing the repercussions of harassment and ways to support survivors. This was followed by a screening of Abeer Zeibak Haddad's documentary 'Four Scenes to Break the Silence,' which addresses sexual assault and social silencing through the testimonies of four survivors, followed by a discussion with the director.

Wednesday, September 23, will feature 'Arabisca,' a dance piece by Noor Ghorabli, reinterpreting the Palestinian Dabke from a collective female perspective. The '48 Letters' troupe will present 'A Letter in Colored Pencils,' directed by Amir Mahajna, exploring childhood experiences. The evening concludes with 'Someday,' a performance by the Al-Saraya ensemble, directed by Amer Hlehel, transforming personal experiences into scenes reflecting public life.

Thursday, September 24, includes a performance by Ibaa Mounzer, blending singing, live electronic music, and reinterpretations of folk songs. The program also features the play 'Life Made of Wood' by Maya Amia Qish and Suwar Awad, based on texts by Sheikha Halawi, examining freedom of choice and social pressures, particularly on women. The night closes with 'My Heart is My Guide,' featuring Mohammed Qundus, Mira Azar, and Carole Awad, performing songs by Arab singing stars.

The festival extends to Jaffa's streets and cafes on Friday, September 25, with a tour of the visual exhibition 'They Returned Longing for Jaffa,' curated by Massa Omar, featuring works by eleven female artists. The tour includes stops at various venues and a street performance. The evening concludes with a performance of Harold Pinter's 'The Lover,' translated and directed by Khawla Ibrahim, and the premiere of the Al-Manshiya Choir's 'From Sayed to Fairuz,' led by Elias Haddoub, a musical journey through the works of Sayed Darwish and the Rahbani brothers. The festival also includes children's shows, with details available upon inquiry.