During the first four years of the project „Pillars of Peace“ many ideas for additional approaches to the Jewish-Arab conflict were developed. By 2006 it was time to start a new way to expose youngsters to „the others“ and it was decided to cease the pillar „Young Leadership“ in favor of an artistic approach: Theatre was chosen as a way to deal and to get acquainted with each other.

The main idea was to couple two groups composed of Jewish and Arab youngsters, age 15-18, and to train with them in acting and theatrical expression. Through acting and interaction with their counterparts from the other   ecommunity  their learn to go beyond their own personal limits and identities. Moreover they learn to assume other identities and their standpoints. It enables the participants to recognize and acknowledge the relativity of truths normally assumed as cast-iron.

So, two groups, one Jewish, one Arab from neighbouring cities are partnered for this project. Their task is not only to learn how to act, but also to develop a play that reflects their lives (and, of course , the conflict) but also to learn about themselves and about „the other“. Last but not least,their task was to be able to perform this play before an audience, to overcome their fears and to convince in their roles. In other words: To outgrow themselves.

From May 2007 on the Young Theatre Group commenced it’s work. The response to the placards on the notice boards of the local youth clubs in Ramlah (Arab) and Lod (Jewish) was high. Groups of about 20 participants each were soon assembled and started working. Meanwhile the first play has been produced and has had its premiere in Tzavta theatre. It has been performed  in the groups’ hometowns and will be played again at the festival culture of peace in 2008.

For this upcoming year we plan the production of a new play as well as extending the outreach to participants and audiences.