From Palestine to Wells: Theatre Without Borders

Aim

To fund travel accommodation, artists’ fees and production costs to bring The Freedom Theatre from Palestine to perform in Wells in December

Bringing The Freedom Theatre from Palestine to Wells

I have spent most of my life working in theatre, but occasionally something comes along that reminds me exactly why I do it.

Watching a documentary about The Freedom Theatre in Palestine was one of those moments. I was deeply moved by the work they do with children and young people who have experienced unimaginable trauma. Through theatre, they create a space where children can play, laugh, express themselves and, perhaps most importantly, feel safe and listened to.

It reminded me that theatre is about so much more than putting on a good show.

Who are we?

I'm Ros Johnson, founder and Artistic Director of Wells Theatre Festival, which I established in 2018. I've worked in theatre for many years, including at the National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company and in the West End. I'm also a teacher, voice coach and qualified counsellor, so the work of The Freedom Theatre feels particularly close to my heart.

Wells Theatre Festival is a small, not-for-profit organisation run by a passionate team of theatre professionals and volunteers. We believe that great theatre should be accessible to everyone, and that it has the power to bring communities together, challenge the way we see the world and give a voice to people whose stories are too often unheard.

What do we want to do?

We are hoping to bring The Freedom Theatre from Palestine to Wells in December 2026 as part of the Wells Theatre Festival to present their extraordinary aerial production, Shatha's Triangle.

Alongside the performances, we plan to host a live online conversation with the theatre's director, joining us from Jenin refugee camp. This would give our audience a chance to hear directly about the company's work, the challenges they face and why theatre matters so much in the communities they serve.

I would love people in Somerset to experience this work, not simply as an evening at the theatre, but as an opportunity to connect with artists whose lives and experiences are so different from our own.

What will your donations pay for?

Bringing an international theatre company to a small festival is an ambitious undertaking, particularly when that company is working in such difficult circumstances.

Every penny raised will go towards making this visit possible, including:

• Flights and travel for the performers and their team from Palestine to the UK and onwards to Wells.

• Accommodation and meals during their stay.

• Fair payment for the artists and their work.

• Specialist aerial rigging, technical equipment, lighting and sound.

• The costs of staging the performances and organising the live discussion.

We want to make sure The Freedom Theatre can come here without having to shoulder the financial burden themselves.

Why does this matter?

Like so many people, I often feel helpless watching what is happening in Palestine. But I do know something about theatre, and I know what it can do.

I can't change the circumstances these artists and children are living through, but perhaps we can do something practical. We can support their work, welcome their artists, listen to their stories and introduce them to a new audience.

And perhaps, in our own small way, we can remind people that even in the most difficult circumstances, creativity, imagination and humanity survive.

This is a big ambition for our little festival, but with your help, I believe we can make it happen.

Thank you so much for anything you can give.

Ros
Artistic Director, Wells Theatre Festival

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 7th December 2026 at 9:39am