ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the work of the Indra Congress, an emerging network of artists, educators, young people and others who share a commitment to the development of theatre. It focuses on Indra's ongoing relationship with Marina Barham and Al Harah theatre in Beit Jala. The American mediator and writer, John Paul Lederach, has had a profund impact on the development of the Indra Congress. The productions presented by the Al Harah young people at the International Congress events are always powerful and thought provoking. Al Harah produces and promotes dramatic work of a high standard and through their performances and educational work brings compelling stories to audiences throughout Palestine. Al Harah's theatre addresses issues relating to overt political injustice, for example, their play Born in Bethlehem, which toured the UK in 2009; and plays that address difficult internal issues such as gender and sexuality; for example, the Alone We Stand project.
