SHARIF

Sharif شريف is a moving drama about the precarious lives of LGBTQ+ Palestinians, written by Tomer Aldubi.

Sharif was forced to flee the West Bank as a teen, after his sexual identity has been publicly exposed and his life put in danger. Since then, he’s been trying to survive in Israel, a foreign and unforgiving land, completely alone. Barely speaking the language, and guided by the memory of his secret lover Nour, whom he left behind, he tries to secure a stay permit on the grounds of welfare.

The play oscillates between scenes from Sharif’s past and present – from interrogations by the IDF regarding his application for a permit that drag on for months; through the family
crisis following his forced disappearance; to life-threatening encounters with the Palestinian Police. Some people he meets along the way lend him a generous hand, while others try to exploit his delicate situation. All Sharif dreams of is reuniting with his love. Nour’s fate is unknown to Sharif, and yet he is holding onto a thin thread. Will they ever meet again?
Sharif شريف is an emotional account of the challenging life of the queer Arab community amidst constant threat, neglect, and sometimes hope, which is rarely, if ever, presented on stage. The play represents the real life struggles that LGBTQ+ Palestinians face, and it was written based on thorough research and testimonials that were collected by its playwright.