A landmark theatre moment lands in Dublin this evening as Uachtarán na hÉireann Catherine Connolly attends the Irish premiere of Return To Palestine by The Freedom Theatre at Project Arts Centre.
Marking the first time the acclaimed Palestinian company has presented work in Ireland, Return To Palestine brings together four generations of graduates from The Freedom Theatre School in Jenin, performing side by side in a powerful act of artistic continuity and resistance.
The ensemble features Maryam Abu Khaled, Alaa Shehadeh, Gráinnemir Abualrob, Osamma Alazzah, Ameena Adileh and Mahmoud Abu Aita, with live music by Saied Silbak and Nuno Brito.
Directed by Micaela Miranda, the powerful play includes stories from Jenin refugee camp and city, Fasayel, Dheisheh refugee camp, Mufaqara and Jabalia Camp in Gaza.
Co-produced by Dublin Theatre Festival and The Freedom Theatre, and supported by the Arts Council, the production runs at Project Arts Centre from January 28th, as part of a wider week of Palestinian work during Seachtain Saoirse don Phalaistín.
Ahead of the play’s opening, one of her first chosen activities in the public sphere for 2026, President Connolly said, “As President of Ireland, I am delighted to attend the opening of ‘Return to Palestine’ at the Project Arts Centre. The Freedom Theatre is an inspirational cultural and artistic centre, empowering Palestinians to share their own authentic voices and stories with each other and with the wider world. May I thank Micaela Miranda and the ensemble of graduate actors from the Freedom Theatre School for bringing this production to Ireland, and all involved with Cairde Amharclann na Saoirse in Éirinn for the solidarity they are showing at the Project Arts Centre this week with Seachtain Saoirse don Phalaistín.”
Speaking from Jenin Refugee Camp on Monday January 26th, General Manager Mustafa Sheta welcomed the President’s attendance as “a significant gesture of political and cultural solidarity”. Sheta spoke about the importance of cultural resistance, and encouraged people in Ireland to attend the performances to hear the real stories of Palestinians, their real narratives coming from the camp.
For Dublin Theatre Festival and Project Arts Centre, the production reflects a long-standing commitment to artistic freedom and international exchange — and offers Dublin audiences an urgent, human story told with clarity, courage and craft.
Return To Palestine runs on January 28th, 29th and 31st at Project Arts Centre.
Tickets via projectartscentre.ie
Images: (c) Zoë Birkbeck Photography
