Born in Bethlehem comes to Clwyd Theatr Cymru

May 2 2008 by Michael Green, Flintshire Chronicle

THE Nativity story doesn’t often crop up in May but still plays a central part in the production Born in Bethlehem which comes to Clwyd Theatr Cymru in Mold next week.

Born in Bethlehem is a new piece of work devised by Al-Harah company, themselves based in Beit Jala, close to Bethlehem.

The play takes the form of a guided tour through Bethlehem with the audience as the sight-seers.

The tour includes a performance of the Nativity story, but the characters of Mary and Joseph soon encounter problems faced by present day Palestinians such as the dividing wall and security checks.

But Born in Bethlehem isn’t just a political pamphlet – it depicts the global problem of Palestinians through the eyes of ordinary people who just happen to be Palestinian.

Sami Al Metwasi, the play’s director, said: “We hope that this play will help UK audiences to understand more about our lives as Palestinians and as artists creating theatre.

“The play conveys the message that there are Christians in Palestine as well and that the Palestine-Israeli conflict is not a war against Islam but is a war about land. It is not a religious problem.”

Born in Bethlehem can be seen on Thursday, May 8 at 7.45pm at Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Ring the box office on 0845 330 3565 or visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk.