Ashtar Theatre group
 

Ashtar was founded in 1991 in Jerusalem at the initiative of Palestinian artists, Edward Muallem and Iman Aoun. Muallem is one of the pioneers of the contemporary Palestinian

Theatre movement since 1977, and one of its distinguished actors. Aoun is also one of the leading actresses who is active in the Palestinian Theatre since 1984. She is known on the international level for her active role in networking amongst cultural initiatives all over the world.

Ashtar started the first theatre-training program in Palestine, and is actively engaged in researching and experimenting with various artistic elements, tools and techniques.

In 1996, Ashtar opened a studio center in Ramallah. Today, Ashtar is equipped with a professional team of actors, technicians and administrative staff.

Ashtar produces three types of theatre. The first is the School Theatre that is directed in the first  place towards school students. The second is the Professional Theatre which is directed towards the Theatergoers, and is produced in cooperation with actors and local, Arab and/or International theatre groups, and it is performed on a local and International level.

The third type is Augusto Boal's Theatre of the Oppressed or Forum Theatre, producing and performing an annual series under the title of Abu Shaker's Affairs, which is essentially directed to the Palestinian public and is performed in the villages, cities and refugee camps of Palestine.

Among Ashtar's prominent productions are "Women of Sand and Myrrh" in 1999 , "Martyrs are Coming Back" in 1996, winning two awards at the Cairo Theatre Festival: one for the most distinguished Arab play and for best actress (Iman Aoun). "Beauty and the Beast" was one of the most distinguished plays performed by Ashtar stu-dents, in addition to the series of "Abu Shaker's

Affairs" in 1997, 1998 and 1999.
For more information contact (02) 2980037.