9/1/2024
Art as resistance, with Ahmed Tobasi and Vibeke Harper
The episode discusses the importance of art as resistance, featuring Ahmed Tobasi, founder of The Freedom Theatre in Jenin refugee camp, and Vibeke Harper, a Norwegian concept artist. Tobasi shares his experiences growing up under Israeli occupation, including being imprisoned as a teenager, and how art helped him find a way to resist. Harper, who has been working with the Freedom Theatre since 2009, highlights the importance of art as a safe space for humanity and a tool for building community. The episode also discusses the ongoing conflict in Palestine and the need for global solidarity in the face of oppression.
Transcript
Mentioned in the episode
Israeli occupation
The Israeli occupation of Palestine is a recurring theme throughout the conversation, with both guests discussing its impact on their lives and work.
Genin refugee camp
Ahmed Tobasi, the founder of The Freedom Theatre, grew up in the Jenin refugee camp, and the episode discusses the camp's history and the challenges faced by its residents.
The Freedom Theatre
The Freedom Theatre is a Palestinian theatre and cultural center in the Jenin refugee camp. The episode explores the theatre's mission of using art as resistance and its impact on the community.
Oslo Agreement
The Oslo Agreement, a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, is mentioned as a flawed attempt to resolve the conflict, and its consequences are discussed.
Gaza
The conflict in Gaza is a central focus of the episode, with both guests discussing the devastating impact of the recent war on the Palestinian people. The episode highlights the ongoing violence and human suffering in Gaza.
Zionist ideology
Ahmed Tobasi critiques Zionist ideology, arguing that it is a source of oppression and violence and that it seeks to control the world's resources and politics.
Western colonization
The episode discusses the historical legacy of Western colonialism and its continuing impact on Palestine. The conversation highlights the need for decolonization and the dismantling of oppressive power structures.
Hamas
Hamas, a Palestinian political and military organization, is mentioned in the context of the conflict in Gaza and the ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine.
Israel
Israel is a central subject of the episode, with both guests discussing the country's role in the ongoing conflict, its occupation of Palestine, and its treatment of Palestinians.
Hezbollah
Hezbollah, a Lebanese political and military organization, is briefly mentioned in the context of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Iran
Iran is mentioned as a potential player in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its relationship with other actors in the region is discussed.
United States
The United States is criticized for its role in the conflict, particularly its support for Israel and its involvement in the region.
Ukraine
The war in Ukraine is briefly discussed, with Ahmed Tobasi drawing parallels between the conflict in Ukraine and the ongoing conflict in Palestine.
Russia
Russia is mentioned in the context of the war in Ukraine and its relationship with other actors in the region is discussed.
Facebook is mentioned as a platform that is controlled by Zionist interests and that is used to suppress Palestinian voices and narratives.
Meta
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is mentioned as a company that is controlled by Zionist interests and that is used to suppress Palestinian voices and narratives.
social media
Social media is criticized as a tool that is used to manipulate public opinion and suppress Palestinian voices.
British mandate
The British mandate in Palestine is discussed as a historical precedent for the current conflict, with the guests arguing that the current occupation is a continuation of colonial practices.
Oslo Accords
The Oslo Accords, a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, are mentioned as a failed attempt to resolve the conflict, and their consequences are discussed.
Netanyahu
Benjamin Netanyahu, the former prime minister of Israel, is mentioned in the context of his policies and his role in the conflict.
Al-Aqsa mosque
Al-Aqsa mosque, a holy site in Jerusalem, is mentioned in the context of its importance to both Muslims and Jews and the ongoing tensions over its control.
Corona
The COVID-19 pandemic is mentioned as a global event that has contributed to the current political climate and the rise of nationalist and extremist ideologies.
Gaza monologues
The Gaza monologues are a series of testimonies from children who experienced the war in Gaza in 2008-2009. The episode discusses the importance of these monologues as a form of storytelling and resistance.
Ali Abiyassin
Ali Abiyassin is a Palestinian performing artist who is mentioned as a friend of Vibeke Harper and someone who has been particularly impacted by the conflict in Gaza.
Atif Abu Saif
Atif Abu Saif is a Palestinian cultural minister who is mentioned as a friend of Vibeke Harper and someone who has written about his experiences during the war in Gaza.
Cultural Intifada
Cultural Intifada is a website created by the guests of the episode to provide resources, news, and information about Palestinian culture and resistance.
Participants
host
unknown
guest
Ahmed Tobasi
guest
Vibeke Harper