By Hammad Isabella
Isabella Hammad - 2024
Actress Sonia Nasir returns to her family's homeland in Haifa after a long absence, seeking solace after a failed relationship. Her visit coincides with the aftermath of the second intifada and the loss of her grandparents. While her sister Haneen has built a life teaching in Tel Aviv, Sonia's career in London has been overshadowed by a troubled marriage. Upon her return, Sonia finds her connection to Palestine both deeply ingrained and newly discovered.
She becomes involved in a local production of Hamlet in the West Bank, directed by Mariam. Rehearsing Gertrude's lines in classical Arabic, Sonia spends increasing time in Ramallah with a diverse group of Palestinian men dedicated to bringing Shakespeare to their community, despite internal conflicts and external barriers.
As opening night approaches, the production faces significant obstacles. Amidst these challenges, Sonia begins to shed her old life, embracing the possibility of self-discovery in her ancestral home.