Bashar Murkus and Khulood Basel revisit a narrative transmitted orally since the 14th century, sung and performed across the Arabian Peninsula by countless popular poets. The legendary epic of the Banu Hilal — often described as the Arab Iliad — is brought to life through seven exuberant and humorous performers who also ask, without nostalgia, what Arab theatre might have become without colonial influence.
The show follows the extraordinary life of Abū Zayd al-Hilālī, a boy exiled in childhood because of his skin colour, who rises over the centuries from displaced refugee to mythic figure. The ceremony blends live music, puppetry and Dabke dance choreography.
Runtime: 3 hours including a 20-minute interval. Performed in Arabic with French surtitles. Coproduction.
Lineup
Bashar Murkus
Palestinian theatre director and playwright, co-founder of Khashabi Theatre. His work explores Arab cultural identity, colonial history and oral tradition.
Khulood Basel
Palestinian producer and dramaturg, co-founder of Khashabi Theatre alongside Bashar Murkus, with whom she has developed internationally touring productions.
Abed Zoabi
Adan Rabos
Atallah Tannous
Maisan Miso Samara
Maya Omaya Keesh
Rami Nakhleh
Rana Barasni
Location