The Bridge

Palestinian actor and comedian Alaa Shehada returns following his heartfelt and hilarious Scotsman Fringe First-winning debut, The Horse of Jenin.

Every year, Alaa’s mother sends a gift of separation from her home in Jenin to her sister in Amman. A container of olive oil made from his grandfather’s olive trees. And this year, as every year, Alaa is delivering it himself. Carrying a large yellow container, he leaves his home alongside thousands of other Palestinians. To make this journey, he must cross ‘the bridge’ in the heart of Jordan Valley - the only way Palestinians in the West Bank are permitted to leave or return home. But the container leaks, dripping oil throughout its journey through border crossings, Israeli occupation, and into Jordan.

The Bridge is a very human tale of family and connection, hope and joy, set against the brutal truths of the impacts of colonialism and the broken promises of the British in Palestine.

Writer and performer Alaa Shehada brings his high-energy mix of storytelling, stand-up and physical comedy to the story of his own journey, and the journeys of other travellers who join him on this bizarre road trip.

Co-written with and directed by Sam Beale.