PALESTINIAN ARTISTS FROM THE FREEDOM THEATRE,
WHICH WAS RECENTLY NOMINATED FOR THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE,
HAVE HAD THEIR VISAS DENIED TO NORWAY
Statement 17th July 2024
The Freedom Theatre, Nordic Black Theatre, Karlsøyfestivalen, CrotonicX and Motforestillinger strongly condemn the refusal of visas for six young Palestinian artists. The students from The Freedom Theatre’s professional acting school, were scheduled to participate in a one-month tour across Norway this summer.
“This unjust action undermines Norway’s core principles of freedom of speech. It deprives Norwegian audiences of the opportunity to experience diverse and enriching performances and hear the first-hand experiences of young artists from Palestine.”
- Jarl Solberg Executive Director of the Nordic Black Theatre
The Freedom Theatre is world-renowned for using arts as a tool for social change, cultivating a powerful new generation who fight for equality, justice and liberation through culture. Recently nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, The Freedom Theatre exemplifies how creative expression can challenge oppression and foster resilience, inspiring people globally to imagine a future built on shared values.
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Censorship of Palestinian Artists
“As Palestinians face genocide in Gaza and weekly invasions take place across the West Bank, including in Jenin Camp, it is deeply troubling for young artists to be silenced in this way. Talking to the world about the violence we face is crucial for our survival as Palestinians. I am questioning why Norway would want to stop young artists from sharing their experiences. I hope the decision can be reversed, and our students can express themselves artistically without fear of censorship or restriction.”
- Ahmed Tobasi, Artistic Director of The Freedom Theatre
Censorship, both at home and abroad, is a brutal reality Palestinians face. Artists are systematically denied visas internationally, including to Norway. Israel has spent decades attempting to destroy Palestinian cultural heritage as well as targeting and imprisoning artists.
The Freedom Theatre has faced over a decade of attacks by Israel and continued censorship internationally. In December 2023, The Freedom Theatre made headlines across Norway as the country’s cultural sector united in horror when the Israeli army ransacked the building in Jenin Camp and took three artists at gunpoint from their homes. Those taken included Artistic Director Ahmed Tobasi, a Palestinian with a Norwegian passport, Producer Mustafa Sheta and recently graduated actor Jamal Abu Joas. While Tobasi and Abu Joas have since been released, Mustafa Sheta continues to be held by the Israeli army, with virtually all contact denied.
152 Palestinian journalists were killed by Israel between October 7th and July 12th in Gaza, according to Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor. Academic and poet Dr Refaat Alareer in 2023, cartoonist Naji Al Ali in 1987 and writer Ghassan Kanafani in 1972 are a few of Palestinian's most famous artists who have been murdered by Israel.
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Impact on the Palestinian and Norwegian Arts Community
“This is a stark reminder of imposed borders, deferred dreams, and the struggle to amplify our voices amidst the chaos—a new darkness around art and our persistence, another wall encircling us, another closed door. Here, every moment is a battle for existence, every breath is a defiance. We strive to challenge obstacles and transcend boundaries through art, yet reality confines us. I believe in art's power to transform pain into purpose, which is why I pen these words."
- Aya Samara, Acting Student at The Freedom Theatre
Scheduled to participate in a month-long tour across Norway, denying visas to these young artists not only harms The Freedom Theatre but numerous prestigious festivals and cultural organisations across Norway.
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The broad spectrum of Norwegian partners affected includes the renowned art festival Karlsøyfestivalen and Rosendal International Theatre, one of Norway’s three main curating theatres. A cultural exchange funded by Oslo Municipality, involving young people from the esteemed Nordic Black Theatre, is also in jeopardy, threatening the next stage in a cross-cultural collaboration as part of a fifteen-year partnership with The Freedom Theatre.
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Call to Reverse The Decision
The Freedom Theatre, Nordic Black Theatre, Karlsøyfestivalen, CrotoniX and Motforestillinger call upon UDI to urgently reconsider the denial of these visas rather than be contributors to the violence and censorship Palestinian artists face at home and internationally.
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We emphasise that requiring Palestinian passport holders to apply for a visa, whilst Israeli passport holders do not, is already highly discriminatory.
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We urge the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to recognise the importance of cultural exchange and to facilitate, rather than hinder, the movement of artists across borders.
For all Press inquiries: pressthefreedomtheatre@gmail.com
For further background information:
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