Overview
This performance lecture examines the UK’s colonial legacy in Palestine, focusing on Arthur James Balfour, Prime Minister (1902-1905) and Foreign Secretary (1916-1919), and his role in denying Palestinian political rights. Utilising speculative choreography and Afrofuturism, Saleh intertwines history, fiction, and fantasy, drawing inspiration from archival materials. Set in 2045, the lecture reflects on a fictive apology letter issued by the UK in 2025, promising reparations to the Palestinian people. The audience become members of the reparations’ evaluation committee created on the 20th anniversary of the apology and are invited to participate in the performance.
Performed at Summerhall as part of Made in Scotland 2025.
Creative Credits
Concept and choreography: Farah Saleh, in collaboration with
Film & Sound Design: Lucas Chih-Peng
Research: Nicola Perugini
Dancers: Nadia Khattab and Jamal Bajali
Rehearsal support: Luke Pell
Graphic design: Michaela Pointon
Music: Kim Moore, Wasef Jawhariya
Creative Producer: Helen McIntosh
Lighting Design: Emma Jones
PR Associate: Joy Parkinson
Production Manager: Fi Fraser
On Tour
Summerhall
Summerhall Pl, Edinburgh EH9 1PL