Enhancing Creativity and Commitment for Change

ASHTAR is a dynamic local Palestinian Theatre with a truly progressive global perspective. We aim to promote creativity and commitment for change through a novel combination of specific training and acting programs and services and professional theatre performances. If marginalized audience is unable to come to our main location in Ramallah, we move our stage to these often remote areas to include everyone.

ASHTAR Theatre is a non-profit organization that was established in 1991 in Jerusalem as the first theatre training organization for youth in Palestine, by two Palestinian prominent actors; Edward Muallem and Iman Aoun, who worked in theatre since 1977.

At ASHTAR we offer intensive theatre training programs for local students throughout the year, often resulting in performances on stage, but also equipping young Palestinians with essential skills that go beyond acting.  Apart from an increased level of self-awareness and confidence, additional qualifications resulting from our training methodology are leadership, communication, and team work skills.

Our Master Classes attract theatre professionals and students from any continent, transforming Ashtar in a truly global space over the summer months every year. During this period international and local students work directly with theatre professionals and have the opportunity to engage in intensive training and cultural exchange, while learning about Palestine at the same time.

One of ASHTAR’s pioneering specialties is a highly successful genre known as Forum Theatre. The purpose of Forum Theatre is to promote a more active dialogue and commitment for change within the 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. In essence, Forum Theatre is a vital and engaging democracy-building tool. Through the use of the integrated methods 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.