Mourning Mer Khamis. Photo:latimesblogs.latimes.com
~~Two tributes~~
~~Anthony Alessandrini, Jadaliyya~~
http://www.jadaliyya.com/pages/index/1108/juliano-mer-khamis
~~
~~Gideon Levy, Ha’aretz~~
Jenin Freedom Theater's "Alice in Wonderland." Photo:ghwelker.posterous.com
Today, in front of Jenin Freedom Theater. Photo: daily life.com
There are revolutionaries in the theatre–people like Peter Brook,
Grotowski, and earlier, Artaud and others. They work on
well constructed stages, with well-trained actors, in European
cities. They receive honors and commissions and titles. They receive our adulation.
And there are also individuals like Juliano Mer Khamis–who work in grimy, dirty
refugee camps or ghettos, whose actors are street urchins born into
poverty. Without the honors and the invitations, these individuals work in the shadows of the art world. They put their nose to the ground, brushing off to the threats. They work, and often, they produce extraordinary results with ordinary materials. The term poor theater, which was coined at another time and with a very different intent, is their locus of operations.
On days like this one’s being is shaken, to the core. What price the theater of liberation? And by whom? The rest is words and tears.
The earth, light on Juliano Mer Khamis…
Passages Home Blog 
Thank you for this. I met Juliano during the course of my doctoral research (on the arts and conflict resolution) and I am in deep shock from this news. I am new in the Boston area, and not particularly well connected yet. Can you tell me if there are tributes or vigils being organized in his memory — or if there is someone else I can contact to find out? Thank you again for this post.
I did not meet Juliano Mer Khamis but I was familiar with his work with Jenin Freedom Theater and had seen him in Amos Gitai’s great film, Kedma. And although I did not know him personally, when I heard of his death I felt that I had lost someone I knew well.
I have not heard of any vigils of memorial services in Boston.
Thank you for your note. Wishing you the best in Boston!
Talya,
There’s a memorial event for Juliano Mer Khamis on Monday, April 11 at BU, in the evening. Check the Boston Palestine Film Festival website.
Thank you, Taline. I have been in touch with them and will be at the memorial next Monday. I really appreciate you letting me know.