Amer hlehel biography books
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Amer Hlehel is the author and performer of the play Taha, which tells the story of the celebrated Palestinian poet Taha Muhammad Ali. Adapted from Adina Hoffman’s biography My Happiness Bears No Relation to Happiness, Taha has been performed by the playwright in both English and Arabic around the world, most recently at the Shubbak Festival in London and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. WWB spoke with Amer Hlehel about the work’s inspiration, the experience of performing in multiple languages, and the contemporary resonances that make this play about one man larger than a single life.
Words Without Borders (WWB): What inspired you to write Taha? Are there aspects of Taha Muhammad Ali’s life and poetry that you felt made him an especially relevant figure to explore now?
Amer Hlehel (AH): I was initially inspired by Taha’s poetry. When I first read Taha’s poetry, I felt that I was reading something that I am not used to reading in Arab
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TAHA by Amer Hlehel
2 - 14 Apr | KC Arts Centre - Home of STC
A tour-de-force performance that captures the life story of Palestinian poet Taha Muhammad Ali.
TAHA by Amer Hlehel is a tribute to Palestinian poet Taha Muhammad Ali. Born in Saffuriya, Palestine, Taha Muhammad Ali became a celebrated poet on the world scen after captivating audiences with his moving poetry that beautifully captured the resilience, love, and enduring spirit of his people.
Eloquently tracing Taha's journey from a humble shopkeeper in Palestine to a celebrated poet worldwide, the story unfolds from his ill-starred birth through the tragic wars that compelled his family to flee their homeland. Grappling with themes of displacement and lost identity, Taha's story is narrated with a poignant yet humorous voice.
Adapted from Adina Hoffman's acclaimed biography and under Amir Nizar Zuabi's direction, TAHA becomes an emotional tapestry, conveying sorrow, humour, resilience, an
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Renowned Palestinian actor and playwright, Amer Hlehel, prepares to grace the stage once more with his compelling performance of TAHA. He shares insights into his journey with the play, reflecting on past experiences and the evolving resonance of Taha Muhammad Ali's poetry.
- As you prepare to perform TAHA in Singapore for the second time, are there any new elements or insights you'll be bringing to the upcoming performance that audiences can look forward to experiencing?
First, I am full of excitement to be in Singapore again performing TAHA. I remember that the performances there were one of the best in TAHA’s tour if not the best. The audience was so warm and engulfed me and the show with big love and generous reactions. I am praying that for this visit, I can bring with me the same quality I brought 6 years ago. Theatre is an alive medium to share our stories, and what I have learned through the years is that the same story, the same play, will me