A new play about Palestine - The Mulberry Tree - @LaMama

 LaMaMa presents a Loose Change Production 
in association with Sari Sari Women of Color Arts Coup 
THE MULBERRY TREE 

The Mulberry Tree, a new play about Palestine written by Hanna Eady and Edward Mast, looks at the creation of the state of Israel in 1948 from the perspective of a Palestinian boy growing into adulthood as his world disintegrates. 

Directed by Alexandra Aron, The Mulberry Tree will have its world premiere at La MaMa ETC (66 East 4th Street, New York City), running February 9 through 25 and will celebrate its opening night on Monday, February 12th  at 8pm. It is presented by La MaMa in association with Loose Change Production and Sari Sari Women of Color Arts Coup.   

As 1948, the year of the founding of Israel, approaches, a Palestinian boy and his beloved neighbor, the village Rabbi, struggle to maintain their friendship in a village of Jews and Palestinians living side by side and trying to go about life as usual – until it becomes impossible.   

An achingly human story, The Mulberry Tree is a play about Palestine’s past, and a heartbreaking but hopeful ode to its future. Written by longtime collaborators Eady (born in Palestine) and Mast (born in California), this story shows the painful price of loyalty and betrayal, while honoring the power of memory. 

The cast includes Adam Bakri (Oscar-nominated film Omar), Ron Guttman (TV: ”Godfather of Harlem”), Rachel Botchan (Off-Broadway: King of the Jews), Louis Sallan (Off-Broadway: Selling Kabul), Najla Said (Off-Broadway: Palestine), and Ramsey Faragallah (Public Theatre Richard III). 

 “Despite what is happening at the present moment, there was a time in recent history when Muslims, Jews and Christian all lived together peacefully and happily in historic Palestine.  My own father was born in that place, at that time.  This play, firmly settled in history and based in truth, tells the story of two very close families whose deep long-standing friendship is challenged by the forces of politics and nationalism.  I think at this time the best thing we can do as artists is try to imagine and create possibilities for the future, and sometimes that requires a closer look at both our humanity and our shared past. This play gives us the chance to do just that.” Najla Said (Salma)

“To me, this play is all about potential. It captures an idyllic moment of time in Palestine that got interrupted. Nowadays, when hope seems scarce, performing this play feels like a prayer—a hope to revive something precious that faded over the years.” Adam Bakri (Noor)

The creative team includes set design by Izmir Ikbal, costume design by Dina El-Aziz, lighting design by Emmanuelle Delgado, projection design by Tal Yarden, original music by Hadi Eldebek, casting by Stephanie Klapper, production stage manager is Debora Porazzi and assistant stage manager is Erin Mittman. This play is produced by John Breen for Loose Change Productions. 

The Mulberry Tree 

February 9th – 25, 2024 

Plays Thursday - Saturday at 8 pm; Sunday at 4 pm 

La MaMa The Downstairs is located at 66 East 4th Street, basement level 

Tickets are $30 (discounts for Students/Seniors: $25, First 10 tickets are $10 (limit 2 per person). Ticket prices are inclusive of all fees. 

For tickets and more information https://www.lamama.org/shows/the-mulberry-tree-2024 

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