Theater Mania 1 Brings Playwright Betty Shamieh to Linz
Copyright: Norbert Artner
Theatergoers are giving rave reviews to “Territories,” a thrilling drama currently being staged at Eisenhand. After the February 2 performance, there’ll be a panel discussion with author Betty Shamieh, the production’s director, designers and cast, and Linz09’s Airan Berg.
Though it’s set in the time of the Crusades, “Territories” also reflects the conflicts of our day and age. Palestinian-American author Betty Shamieh’s latest play is a story about gender roles, sex, power and war that catapults its protagonists to the limits of their convictions. At the centerpoint of this narrative is Alia, the sister of Islamic ruler Saleh Al-Din (Saladin). In 1187, during a pilgrimage to Mecca, she’s taken captive by French knight Reynaud de Chatillon. This abduction is a matter of historical fact, though the chroniclers didn’t consider it necessary to record the Moslem woman’s name. Ms. Shamieh explained: “Thus, I began by asking myself: Who is this woman?” Her answer to this question will be on display in Theater Eisenhand until March 18.Territories: Panel Discussion and Audience Q&A
February 2, 2009, performance at 8 PM, discussion to follow
Landestheater Linz, Eisenhand, Eisenhandstr. 43, 4020 Linz
