In Gaza, actors perform a war they are still living

What Happened

Palestinian actors in Gaza City are performing a play titled '50 Minutes in Gaza,' directed by Ali Abu Yasin, which depicts the daily hardships and trauma of the ongoing war. The production, which began as a writing workshop in April 2026 supported by the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation, features eight performers who are themselves displaced persons. Rehearsals have been conducted in makeshift locations, including a tent at the damaged Rashad al-Shawa Cultural Centre and a partitioned room in the Ajwa cafe, amid persistent Israeli military activity and infrastructure destruction.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The production highlights the near-total collapse of cultural infrastructure in Gaza, where UNESCO has documented extensive damage to historical and artistic sites since October 7, 2023. The actors' efforts to maintain artistic expression while facing displacement, food insecurity, and the constant threat of Israeli airstrikes and gunfire illustrate the severe psychological toll of the conflict on the civilian population.

Watch For

Monitor for further reports on the status of cultural heritage sites in Gaza and the impact of ongoing military operations on civilian-led initiatives in Gaza City.