The Horse of Jenin
By Alaa Shehada | Presented by Migration Matters Festival and Sheffield Theatres
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Date: Thur 25 June & Fri 26 June
Time: 19:00 - 20:30
Venue: Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse, Crucible Theatre
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ABOUT THE SHOW
Written and performed by Palestinian actor and comedian Alaa Shehada, The Horse of Jenin tells a universal story of resilience and imagination.
This show combines storytelling, mask and stand-up comedy to explore the everyday life of a boy growing up in Jenin in Occupied Palestine who, like every child in the world, just wants to play and have fun.
Following a major invasion in 2002, a German artist travelled to the city to create an artwork with the kids of Jenin. They built a horse, five-metres tall, out of metal and debris from the invasion. The horse is an Arabic symbol of freedom, so the people of Jenin placed this statue in the centre of the city where it stood for 20 years to represent their hope and resistance. In October 2023, an Israeli army bulldozer entered the camp and the horse was ripped from its place and driven away.
In this solo show, Shehada wonders what happened to the Horse of Jenin and with a powerful mix of imagination and comedy, he builds a new horse from the fragments of his memories and his hopes for the future.
Award-winning universal story of resilience and imagination.
★★★★★ The Guardian
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There are two performances to choose from. Each performance has its own ticket link.
Performance 1 - 25/06/2026: for Tickets, click here
Performance 2 - 26/06/2026: for Tickets, click here
Event Format & Information
18:30 - Doors open
18:30-19:00 - Attendees arrive and find a seat
19:00-20:30 - Main event happens
20:30 - Event ends
The entire performance will take place on stage with nothing expected from audience except some call and response interaction if they feel comfortable.
During the performance, audiences will be expected to sit and listen.
Attendees can leave at any time. Please be advised that the seating is in close proximity to the stage. If you are seated on Stage Level, you will have to walk partly across the stage to leave. If you think you may need to leave before the end, it is advised to find a seat on Tier 1 or Tier 2 as this will be least disruptive to the performance.
Audio: Microphones will be used and there is ambient sound to support the performance throughout. There will be loud gunshots two-thirds of the way through the show. Free earplugs are available at the ticket desk if needed.
Lighting: Changing but generally bright aside from one complete blackout.
Projections / lasers / visual effects: A short video will be projected at the end of the performance.
Quiet space: There is no dedicated quiet space available, however there is a public cafe area with seating separate from the event that can be used.
Seating: This is a seated event without allocated seat numbers. The Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse has seating on three levels: Stage, Tier 1 and Tier 2.
Stage level seating is accessible for those with mobility requirements. Seating at stage level is tiered and a small number of level access seats are available, as well as two dedicated wheelchair spaces.
Tier 1 and Tier 2 seating are accessible by steps only.
If you have access needs and/or further questions, please contact access@migrationmattersfestival.co.uk so we can reserve your seat.
Venue Accessibility
Detailed access information for Crucible Theatre is available on their website and AccessAble.
Website - https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/your-visit/access-facilities
AccessAble - https://www.accessable.co.uk/sheffield-city-council/access-guides/crucible-theatre
If you have any questions regarding accessibility for this event, please contact us at access@migrationmattersfestival.co.uk.
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Alaa Shehada (1991) is an actor and comedian from Palestine. He studied at The Freedom Theatre Acting School in Jenin (West Bank), a company nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2024. He is co-founder of Palestine Comedy Club, a core member of Troupe Courage in Amsterdam, and a “Doctor-Clown” with Red Noses International.
EVENT INFO
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£18 | £14 | £5
For more information about our ticketing approach, please visit:
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Doors Open: 18:30
Running Time: 19:00 - 20:30 -
Event Format & Information
See the ‘Event Format & Information’ section for detailed information
Venue Accessibility
This is a seated event without allocated seat numbers.
The Playhouse has seating on three levels: Stage, Tier 1 and Tier 2.
Stage level seating is accessible for those with mobility requirements. Seating at stage level is tiered and a small number of level access seats are available, as well as two dedicated wheelchair spaces.
Tier 1 and Tier 2 seating are accessible by steps only.
If you have access needs and/or further questions, please contact access@migrationmattersfestival.co.uk so we can reserve your seat.
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Age Guidance: 12+
Content Warning: Strong language, themes of displacement, loss, grief, war, military occupation, destruction of cultural symbols, and brief complete darkness
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Photography Credit: Amelia White