Stage left: two birds one stone
Teesri Duniya Theatre
October 17, 2024
TEXT CONTENT FROM GRAPHIC ABOVE
Title of production: Two Birds One Stone
Run dates: 25th October 2024 - 5th November 2024
Performance venue: Teesri’s Rangshala Studio : Cité-des-Hospitalières 251 Avenue des Pins Ouest, #148 Montreal, QC H2W1R5
Give us an elevator pitch of your show.
Rimah Jabr is born a Muslim Palestinian, and Natasha Greenblatt is a Jewish Canadian. Two Birds, One Stone investigates the forces that push us through time and across continents to find each other. It is an imagined play that crisscrosses history and reveals hidden truths about the war—featuring two dynamic performances from Dalia Charafeddine and Natasha Fagant playing dozens of characters on both sides of the wall. Rich in humorous moments, Two Birds One Stone asks complicated questions about identity, privilege, and home.
What is your favourite part of this production?
Historically, playwrights Natasha Greenblatt and Rimah Jabr were always the performers of this play. This will be the very first time it is interpreted by actors other than the writers themselves.
Why is this play important for audiences to see right now?
The play is a theatrical response to war, settler colonialism and genocide unfolding before our eyes. Even though the war is taking place in Gaza-Palestine, it has shattered the social peace in Canada. By addressing the issue from the prism of artistic beauty, the play encourages dialogue in support of peace and fighting Islamophobia and antisemitism in Canada.
How has the current social or political climate influenced this production?
The Western media's portrayal of Palestinians and Israeli peace activists who dissent is disturbingly biased. This production seeks to correct this media misrepresentation through a play originally written over a decade ago but remains highly relevant today.
What has been this production’s greatest challenge?
The Palestinians remain unseen and invisible on our stages. This play attempts to overcome Palestinian invisibility into a theatrical expression.
How does this show fit into the broader season or future plans for your company?
This season, titled Staging Freedom, aims to unite local communities and mobilize public opinion for a ceasefire, peace, and freedom from colonial occupation while combating Islamophobia and antisemitism. Throughout the year, all our activities will be connected by this theme.
BONUS QUESTION: What’s the funniest thing that’s happened during rehearsals/prep?
The team was sobbing and laughing simultaneously during the reading—it was so beautiful.
Two Birds One Stone
By Teesri Duniya Theatre
October 25 - November 5
Teesri Duniya Theatre’s Rangshala Studio