ASHTAR Theatre

ASHTAR is a non-profit NGO, established in 1991, as a dynamic local Palestinian Theatre with a progressive global perspective. An award winning theatre organization that aims to promote creativity and commitment for change, through a novel combination of specific acting training and professional theatre performances.

At ASHTAR we offer intensive theatre training programs for local students throughout the year, often resulting in performances on stage, equipping young Palestinians with essential skills that go beyond acting into self-awareness, confidence, leadership, communication, and team work skills.

One of ASHTAR’s pioneering specialty is Forum Theatre. The purpose of the Forum Theatre is to promote an active dialogue and commitment for change within society. This theatre form engages the audience to interact on stage with essential social and political issues, transforming a commonly passive audience into pro-active and involved participants. Through the use of Forum Theatre, ASHTAR stands as an agent of change in Palestine.

Our core troupe of professional actors performs several high-quality plays during the year introducing new theatre forms in Palestine. Increased cooperation with internationally known actors and directors ensure continuous professional development of our team and the wider theatre community as well as an improved entertainment culture in Palestine. Our sense for continuous renewal and growth is motivated and stimulated by several international awards and increasing requests to perform abroad.

ASHTAR Theatre also functions as an address for local and international film-makers managing the casting process mobilizing our wide pool of young students and professional actors.

Objectives of ASHTAR Theatre:

  To help create imaginative, progressive and productive Palestinian youth, able to express themselves, and communicate with others and their surroundings creatively.

  To contribute to the creation of a cultured society that adopts the principles of freedom, justice and equality through theatre training and productions.

  To utilize theatre as a tool to encourage and assert marginalized groups, youth and women to become agents of social change.

  To expand the local theatre skills and reach out globally with our local artistry