Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Palestine, The Invaders’ Fear of Memories is a powerful solo performance by Benjamin Rivers, exploring the life and diaries of his great-grandfather, Yousef Nachmani. Fleeing Tsarist Russia in 1907, Yousef arrives in Ottoman Palestine filled with Zionist ideals. However, he soon finds himself complicit in the displacement of thousands of Palestinians as he rises to become Director of the Jewish National Fund in Galilee. Through twelve distinct characters and songs in multiple languages, Rivers delves into the complexities of loyalty, ideology, and the devastating consequences of settler-colonialism. The play traces Yousef's journey from a young idealist to a key figure in the creation of an exclusively Jewish state, capturing his growing ambivalence amid the violence and injustice that accompanies the birth of Israel. 

Directed by Linda Wise, "The Invaders’ Fear of Memories" offers an intimate and sobering look at a historical moment that continues to reverberate with devastating consequences in today’s world. Since August 2023, the show has been performed to audiences in Australia, France, Mexico, South Africa, and Spain.

Theatre for Palestine with net proceeds going to Anar for Empowerment and Psychosocial Support. 

*Contains themes and descriptions of political violence, including massacres, rape, and ethnic cleansing. These scenes may be distressing to some audience members. Viewer discretion is advised. Recommended for mature audience.

EVENT DETAILS:

TIME/DATES: 7PM, 15 - 16 NOVEMBER, 2024

DURATION: 75 MINUTES PERFORMANCE PLUS POST-SHOW Q&A. DOORS OPEN 30 MINUTES BEFORE THE SHOW

VENUE: THE SHOWROOM THEATRE