Articles
Music & Arts, Page 45
Beit Zatoun Hosts Reading of “Seven Days From a Gaza Diary”
A NEW cultural and art venue in downtown Toronto, Beit Zatoun, which translates as “House of Olive,” held its inaugural event on Jan. 30: a dramatic reading of “Seven Days from a Gaza Diary,” to mark the first anniversary of Israel’s military assault on Gaza. Adapted by American playwright Edward Mast, this performance for three female voices is taken from the diary of 27-year-old Khulood Ghanem, who lives in Khan Younis, Gaza, and covers the first seven days of the Israeli bombing (Dec. 27, 2008 to Jan. 2, 2009). Interspersed with her devastating narrative are excerpts selected by Mast from published reports issued during the past year by respected information sources or human rights organizations.
The moving performance, directed by David Jansen, featured Liisa Repo-Martell, Liza Balkan and Severn Thompson. Proceeds from ticket sales went to diarist Ghanem, who is studying to be an architect.
A piano improvisation followed the play, and comforted listeners, many of whom felt bereft after the reading. After the performances, guests gathered for refreshment and conversation. Beit Zatoun, located at 612 Markham St., is an exciting new gallery and performance space for Toronto’s justice and human rights community. It aims to raise awareness, create greater understanding and work for peace through art and culture by hosting exhibits, talks, screenings, plays, music, dance and workshops. To learn more, visit or e-mail < This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. >.
Ghanem now works for a women’s program at an international agency in Gaza. In March 2009, she volunteered to help with translation for a CodePink Women for Peace delegation that managed to get into Gaza for International Women’s Day. Two of the delegates—Tacoma, WA resident Linda Frank and Canadian-Israeli Sandra Ruch—learned of the existence of Ghanem’s diary, and they asked her for permission to read the diary and make it public. After receiving translated sections, Frank brought playwright Edward Mast into the process to adapt the text for performance. For more information on “Seven Days from a Gaza Diary,” including the complete reading, visit <gazafreedommarch.ca/cms/GazaDiary.aspx>.
—Delinda C. Hanley
