Salam ShalomTalkback Series: Theatre and the Middle East following SALAM SHALOM, Enemies...Another Love Story" written by Saleem, directed by Ty Donaldson, plays runs through April 17th. Read more/get tickets here.

The Israeli/Palestinian Conflict  on Stage: Challenges and Breakthroughs

March 28th, 2010 - 7pm curtain

Since September 11th the Middle East has become a frequent subject for American theatre. We will ask, what is the role that theatre might play in representing the divergent histories of Israeli and Palestinian peoples, and the conflict today? How are the conflict's dramas and cycles of violence portrayed on stage? What are the successes and failures in theatre's attempt to represent the changing geo-political landscape of the region?

Speakers Include

Saleem is a Palestinian-American performer/playwright, author of "Salam Shalom": An Israeli and a Palestinian man meet in Los Angeles, face their own prejudices and fall in love, only for that love to be challenged upon returning to Jerusalem.

Wendy Graf is a Jewish-American playwright, author of the up coming production "Behind the Gates": A seventeen year old American girl goes on a school trip to Israel and disappears into the haredi community. Her parents must journey to Israel to search for her.

Ellen Shipley the director of "Desert Sunrise": A chance meeting between a Palestinian shepherd and an Israeli soldier who are both seeking shelter in a desert valley in the Israeli occupied West Bank.

Salam ShalomTalkback Series: Theatre and the Middle East following SALAM SHALOM, Enemies...Another Love Story" written by Saleem, directed by Ty Donaldson, plays runs through April 17th. Read more/get tickets here. Talkbacks on March 14 and March 28 ("The Israeli/Palestinian Conflict on Stage: Challenges and Breakthroughs." Info here.)

Homosexuality in Islam and Judaism: Finding a Common Road

March 14th, 2010 - 7pm curtain

How do these two major world religion view homosexuality? As the LGBT communities in Israel fight for equal recognition under state law that is dictated by the orthodox community, to the Palestinian LGBT community experiencing oppression both by Israeli occupation and by the weight of religion and tradition. What is the future for LGBT people in Israel and Palestine, and how can their common experiences be used as avenues for peace?

Speakers Include

Rabbi Lisa Edwards. From the world's first LGBT synagogue, Beth Chayim Chadashim
Ally Bolour. Attorney specializing in immigration law
Ziad Abu Rish. Former counselor with Seeds of Peace
Saleem the playwright, and the cast of Salam Shalom

Arabs Jews, a Critical PresentationVisiting Author Rachel Shabi Presents Her Book We Look Like the Enemy: the Hidden Story of Israel's Jews of Arab Lands

Jordan Elgrably introduces the evening with personal stories and a visual presentation.

American Radical: The Trials of Norman FinkelsteinLos Angeles Theatrical Premiere, Opens at Laemmle March 12

Directed By: David Ridgen & Nicolas Rossier (Documentary | 2009 | USA | 88 minutes) In English with some Arabic language w/ English subtitles

AMERICAN RADICAL: THE TRIALS OF NORMAN FINKELSTEIN is a new feature-length documentary film from directors David Ridgen (MISSISSIPPI COLD CASE) and Nicolas Rossier (ARISTIDE AND THE ENDLESS REVOLUTION) that will have its theatrical premiere in Los Angeles at Laemmle Music Hall on Friday, March 12, 2010, where it will enjoy a week-long run.

The gala opening will feature Norman Finkelstein in person and a Q & A after the film, in an evening cosponsored by Levantine Cultural Center and L.A. Jews for Peace.

SALAM SHALOM
Enemies...Another Love Story

Written by Saleem

Reviewed by D.A. Siegelman

Reviewed by Afsaneh Ashley Tabaddor

What does it mean to be "White" in America today?

Review by Dina Abou Salem

"Family lines are not as straight as they could be, but they are continuous,