By Alaa Shehada
Produced by Troupe Courage (Netherlands)
N. American Tour Produced by 55B Productions
North American Tour Dates Announced Soon!
“The horse in Arabic is a symbol of freedom. But to us, this horse is much more. This horse is us.”
Built from the debris of a major invasion, the Horse of Jenin sculpture became a constant presence in Alaa’s life growing up in Occupied Palestine. It stood proudly in the center of the city for twenty years, symbolizing hope and resistance.
Then, on October 29, 2023, an Israeli bulldozer entered the city, ripping the sculpture from its place — and from its people. Now, Alaa is left wondering… What happened to the horse?
Combining storytelling, mask, and stand-up comedy, The Horse of Jenin is constructed from the fragments of Palestinian actor and comedian Alaa Shehada’s own memories and stands as an ode to the power of imagination and the resilience it brings.
The Horse of Jenin
Written and performed by: Alaa Shehada
Directors: Katrien van Beurden and Thomas van Ouwerkerk
Stand-Up Comedy Consultant/Co-writer: Sam Beale
Masks: Den Durand
Music: Remy van Kesteren, Khalil Al Batran
Dramaturgy: Maarten Bos
Technical Designer: Roderick Bredenoord
Artistic Associate: Sacha Muller
Production Photography: Kamerich & Budwilowitz
Poster Photography: Dario&Misja photography
Trailer: David Koster
Artwork Featured in Trailer: Thomas Kilpper
Company Manager Troupe Courage: Monique Bos
North American Tour Producer: Jenny Tibbels, 55B Productions
The U.S. premiere of The Horse of Jenin was originally presented by La MaMa during Under the Radar Festival 2025, and co-produced by GOH Productions and 55B Productions.
About the Artist
Alaa Shehada is a Palestinian theatre maker and actor whose work blends physical comedy, stand-up, and mask performance. A graduate of The Freedom Theatre Acting School in Jenin Refugee Camp – an institution nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2024 – Shehada uses humor and storytelling to amplify Palestinian experiences on global stages.
His critically acclaimed solo show The Horse of Jenin offers a moving and humorous reflection on his upbringing in Jenin and has been performed internationally. In 2025, he joined comedian Bassem Youssef on stage and delivered a TEDx London talk alongside comedian Nish Kumar.
Shehada is the co-founder of the Palestine Comedy Club, a pioneering platform for Palestinian comedians to share their stories and culture. Their journey is documented in Palestine Comedy Club, which premiered at SXSW London and received the Spirit of Raindance Award 2025.
Beyond the stage, Shehada serves as a Clown Doctor with Red Noses International in the West Bank and leads theatre workshops throughout Palestine and abroad. He is also a member of Troupe Courage in Amsterdam, specializing in mask theatre.
Shehada has performed internationally in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, Turkey, and the U.K. He has collaborated with renowned directors such as Amir Nizar Zuabi, Di Trevis, and Katrien van Beurden. His previous honors include the Jury Award at the International Festival of Liberal Theatre in Jordan (2019), Best Show at the Palestinian National Theatre Festival (2018), and Best Script Co-Writer for London Jenin (2019).
Press photo by Dario & Misja photography
Production photos by Kamerich & Budwilowitz
