Oud Player on the Tel

Set against the backdrop of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Oud Player on the Tel follows the story of Amir, a Palestinian olive farmer, who befriends Melke, the patriarch of a newly arrived Jewish refugee family in 1947. As the founding of Israel unfolds, the two families become entangled in friendship, rivalry, and love, highlighting the tragic absurdity of a conflict that has spanned 75 years. The play’s surrealist style, underscored by live oud music, draws inspiration from Fiddler on the Roof, providing a poignant yet darkly comedic exploration of the pursuit of coexistence.

The production is directed by Jesica Garrou and is presented by the International Human Rights Art Movement.

Crew

Playwright: Tom Block 

Director: Jesica Garrou

Stage Manager: Andrew Kasper

Assistant Stage Manager: Amanda Reynoso

Set Designer: Richie Oullette

Costume Designer: Cathy Small

Lighting Designer: Riva Fairhall

Composer: Rachid Halihal

Choreographer: Hala Shah *

Fight Director: Gary Brintz *

Cast

Oud Player: Rachid Halihal

Amir: Mark J. Quiles *

Melke: Mark Peters *

Moritz: Gary Brintz *

Mahmud: Hari Bhaskar *

Rashida: Maya Koshaba *

Fatima: Inji El Gammal *

Shoshana: Jennifer G. R. Tulchin * 

Understudies: Hala Shah *, John Druzba *

(*All actors appearing courtesy of Actors Equity Association)