The Campaign to Free Ahmad Sa'adat

Palestinian prisoners' play tours the US

October 7, 2011

The US Palestinian Community Network is hosting a tour of a play - Ana Hurra by Valantina Abu Oqsa - focusing and highlighting the struggle of Palestinian political prisoners. At this time of intense struggle by the prisoners, this play is more timely than ever. The play will travel to California, New York, Ohio, Michigan and Houston. See below for the description, call, and details from USPCN:

Ana Hurra (I am Free) will be touring the United States between Oct. 7-23. It begins tonight, October 7, in San Bruno, California!

The play depicts the struggle of Palestinian women political prisoners, through the words and direction of Palestinian artist, Valentina Abu Oqsa. Three members of the theatre troupe will be traveling with Valentina for these exciting performances.

Ana Hurra's tour could not come at a more poignant time. People around the world are currently fasting in solidarity with Palestinian political prisoners that are hunger striking in protest over despicable and unjust prison conditions. Despite numerous threats from Israeli authorities to escalate repression against prisoners, Palestinians remain steadfast and refuse to end the strike until their conditions immediately improve.

Rarely are American audiences exposed to the voices of Palestinian women, discussing, building visuals, and speaking to their experiences as political prisoners. Ana Hurra is a work of testimonies and stories by women who have stood and continue to stand heroically in bold defiance, against their interrogators.

The US Palestinian Community Network (USPCN) is hosting the tour, and hopes to inspire and educate audiences on the details of the conditions for women political prisoners, as well as support the creative endeavors of Palestinian artists.

For years, Israel has used its prison system to intimidate Palestinians, neutralize strong political voices, and demoralize our movement. Yet, time and time again we have proven that our struggle is a beautiful struggle, and that the iron cages of Israel's occupation cannot contain our resolve, determination, and courage. Ana Hurra captures the battle Palestinian prisoners fight daily, proving that nothing can stand in the way of a people's desire to be free. Today, Israel holds 6000 Palestinian prisoners, including 38 women, 285 children, 750 "administrative prisoners," and 22 lawmakers. 20 prisoners are kept in solitary confinement and 143 Palestinians have been sentenced to life in prison.

Political prisoners represent the heartbeat of the Palestine liberation movement. They are our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, children, cousins, and friends. Join us in supporting Ana Hurra and the plight of all those locked behind bars for being Palestinian.

Friday, 7 October 2011 and Saturday, 8 October 2011
7:00 PM (Doors open at 6:30 PM)

Address:
Skyline College 3300 College Drive
San Bruno, CA

*SPECIAL GUEST: REMI KANAZI, Palestinian-American New York Poet/Activist only on FRIDAY OCT 7th

*ENSEMBLE: ASWAT  BAY AREA MUSIC ENSEMBLE only on SATURDAY OCT 8th.

Tickets:
$25 General Seating
$40 Premier Seating 

Sunday, 9 October 2011
7:00 PM

Address:
La Pena Community Center
3105 Shattuck Avenue
Berkeley, CA

Tickets:
$15 advance purchase, $18 at the door

Friday October 14th – New York City, NY (Buy tickets here!)

Ana Hurrah (I am Free) Play
Friday, 14 October 2011
8:00 PM (Doors open at 7:30 PM)

Sponsored by the Middle East Institute and Arab Student Association at Columbia. Tour organized by the US Palestinian Community Network.

Tickets: (Buy tickets online!)
$20 Advance.; $25 Door. 
$10 Students (students must show valid student ID at door).

Address:
417 Altschul Auditorium
420 West 118th Street
New York, NY 10027

Saturday October 15th – Youngstown, Ohio

Sunday October 16th – Cleveland ,Ohio

Monday, October 17th -Columbus, Ohio
Monday, October 17, 2011 at 7:00 PM

Address:
Hitchcock Hall Hibuilding 274
2070 Neil Ave.
Columbus, OH 43210
Sponsored by the Committee for Justice in Palestine

Tickets:
$5 for students with ID, $10 for non-students

Friday October 21st –  Detroit, Michigan
October 21, 2011 at 7:30 PM

Location:
Arab American National Museum
13624 Michigan Ave
Dearborn, MI 48126

Tickets are $30 for General admission
$200 for sponsor, that will include 2 FREE ticket for the front 2 rows of the theater, name printed on the program.

For more information or to reserve tickets, contact:  (313) 502-0658- Mohammad

Tuesday October 25th – Houston
October 25th, 2011 at 7 PM (Buy tickets here!)

Location:
Arab American Cultural and Community Center
10555 Stancliff Road
Houston, TX 77099

Tickets: (Buy tickets here!)

Tickets are $25 general admission and $10 students.