London's Royal Court is to rush a play onto its stage by Caryl Churchill which the playwright wrote in response to Israel's attack on Hamas in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there.
Entitled Seven Jewish Children- A Play for Gaza the play is just ten minutes long and will run from Feb. 6 to Feb. 21. Tickets will be free and there will be a collection for the charity Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) after each performance.
From Feb. 11 Churchill is to make her script available online for anyone to download and perform. Performance rights fees will be waived on condition that each performance is followed by a collection for MAP.
"It's only a small play&rdquo, 10 minutes long, said Churchill speaking to the Guardian, "but it's a way of looking at what's happened and to raise money for the people who've suffered there.&rdquo
The play will be directed by the Royal Court's artistic director Dominic Cooke . "I have long been interested in the genesis of the conflict in the Middle East, so it was very exciting to receive Caryl's powerful and humane play on the subject. This short, urgent piece has been written in response to recent events and its resonance goes way beyond the present in its understanding of the roots of the tragedy that's now unfolding in Gaza.&rdquo
"It's a political event&rdquo, added Churchill, "not just a theatre event".
For more information on Seven Jewish Children- A Play for Gaza-call (0)20 7565 5000. Booking is not available online.
