QUA

About

QUA, meaning "strength" in Arabic, is a community-driven devising project designed for MENA women with no formal acting experience. Over the course of three months, five MENA women participated in weekly sessions focused on acting, improvisation, devising, and movement. Together, they created a powerful performance that delves into the complexities of resistance in an increasingly policed state.

Lead artist Sama Rantisi drew inspiration from her father’s writings, using them as a foundation to explore the resilience and strength of Palestinian women, shaping the project’s narrative of endurance and defiance.

We shared our work on March 2nd 2024 at BOLD Elephant.

QUA develops the skills and creativity of women rarely able to express themselves artistically and tells complex stories about an identity systemically excluded.

• Devisers: Daniah Al-Mounajim, Liana Harris, Majida Jawhar, Shireen Taha, Hurriyah Ziada

• Lead artist & Writer: Sama Rantisi

• Dramaturg, Director & Creative Producer: Sînziana Cojocărescu

• Movement director: Mat Wernham

• Musician: Kareem Samara

• Assistant director: iulia isar

• Produced by Claire Gilbert

Sama Rantisi is a London-based bilingual Palestinian actress born in Ramallah to an activist family. Sama trained at Marjon's University in Plymouth and graduated with a BA acting degree. Credits include: Julius Caesar by The Actors’ Wheel, The People's Tribunal on Crimes of Aggression: Afghanistan Sessions, 2021 (BÉZNĂ Theatre), wipe these tears, 2022 (BÉZNĂ Theatre). Amelia Gentleman for the Guardian: “Sama Rantisi (...) powerfully brings Ayshea back to life to give posthumous evidence.”

This programme is funded by Bertha Foundation 2023 Artivists & Arts Council England.