Hind (left) performing at the Butterfly Effect Festival in Gaza
37-year-old Hind from Gaza is a visual artist, drama teacher, theatre director, storyteller, decorator and fashion designer. While the path as a woman in the arts in Gaza is not always straightforward, Hind was determined to pursue it. This led to her successfully directing and partaking in a pantomime during the 2022 edition of the Athar Al Farasha Festival (Butterfly Effect Festival) organised in Gaza by partners including UNESCO, the French Institute in Gaza, Dar Al Kalima University, and Shababeek Galllery.
The festival was organized to support artists in Gaza through the production of individual and group art projects and performances. The event also aimed to positively impact the wellbeing of those involved and those who attended, as engaging in culture and the arts can benefit people’s mental health.
Hind's journey in theatre
Hind’s love for acting began as a child when she used to love acting out scenarios when playing house (beit byot). Later as an adult, she came across a call for arts facilitators for the Gaza Summer Games in a local newspaper. Following her successful application and hard work, she was subsequently admitted as a theatre major on an arts course at Theatre Day Productions.
However, there were barriers for her to overcome as a woman in theatre. Hind resolved not to let herself be limited by stereotypical norms and expectations of women which can restrict their participation in the arts. She managed to persuade her family to watch her perform in the theatre and convinced them this was something she should do.
Hind on stage - she has loved performing since a young age
Despite the progress Gazan society has achieved in the culture and arts, Hind says that women artists are often still confronted with obstacles, including the carving out of space in a relatively small arts scene and little remuneration. Additionally, most arts projects are short-term. Consequently, Hind would like to see more attention paid to cultural projects which are sustainable for artists and guarantee equal participation.
Athar Al Farasha - The Butterfly Effect
Hind was thrilled to take part in the Athar Al Farasha (Butterfly Effect) Festival. She wrote and directed a pantomime called “We Refuse it” about gender issues in Gaza, as well as women’s resilience in overcoming them, featuring women with hearing disabilities alongside whom she also acted. The pantomime explored issues of domestic violence, sexual harassment, and the struggles of women with hearing disabilities in the Palestinian society.
Hind says the project helped her to enhance her writing skills and respond well to challenges. Her role also involved working with women with hearing disabilities, which meant engaging a sign language interpreter and supporting women to bring their families around to the idea of their involvement. The project has spurred her on to continue pursuing her dreams and aspirations.
Hind and other actors on stage during the pantomime on gender issues she directed
Hind wanted to leave the audience with one key message through the Athar Al Farasha festival: “Palestinian women are determined to be heard!.” For Hind, the best way to convey lived experience is through performing arts. Her involvement in various productions has helped to deepen her understanding of Gazan women’s realities and what it means to be a Palestinian woman. Theatre has been a vital means of engaging the wider public and encouraging women to get involved in the arts.
She also wants people to know that despite protracted and successive crises facing Gazan society, and their social and psychological ramifications, people still pursue their dreams. Hind is determined to continue her dream of elevating the voices and experiences of Palestinian women.
This event was organized by Institut Français de Gaza, GUCC, Dar al-Kalima University - Gaza Training Center, روابط معاصرة شبابيك Shababek Contemplinkages, Eltiqa and UNESCO.
Supported by Bank of Palestine | بنك فلسطين
