Restore a 1921 Building into a Palestinian Theatre

Dear friends,

This is our first report from Birzeit, and we have good news. The first phase of rehabilitating the 1921 stone house, thanks to a generous private donation, is now about 95% complete and in its final handover stage.

Phase one: the building itself

Since construction began in May, the building has been transformed floor by floor. The original stone facades have been cleaned and repointed, and the window and door openings restored. New frames, plastering, tiling and room layouts are in place across all three floors.

The systems every theatre depends on are also done. The building now has new electrical and lighting networks, data and security systems, air conditioning and ventilation, new bathrooms, and restored drainage and water supply, including a rainwater cistern. For safety there is a fire alarm and firefighting network, emergency lighting and doors, and an external emergency staircase. What remains is final testing, inspections including Civil Defence approval, and formal handover.

Phase two: from empty rooms to a working theatre, home for the young and old, the current and future generations of freedom and creativity in Palestine 

A finished building is not yet a theatre. The rooms are ready, but they are empty. Before we can open our doors, every space has to be equipped and furnished:

• The Training & Performance Hall needs stage lighting, a sound system, a performance floor and audience seating, so it can host both daily classes and full productions.
• The Physical Training Room needs a safe sprung floor and mats for movement and physical theatre.
• The Green Room needs mirrors, costume rails and seating so performers have somewhere to prepare.
• The Podcast & Recording Studio needs acoustic panels, microphones and recording equipment to document Palestinian artists and teach students the technical craft.
• The Community Café on the ground floor needs its kitchen and furniture so it can open to the people of Birzeit.
• The Guest Room – Visiting Artist’s Residency needs beds, furniture and a work desk. It is a self-contained two-bed suite under the original cross-vaulted ceiling, with its own bathroom and private entrance, where visiting artists, trainers and international residents can stay. When it isn’t used for residencies, it can be rented out to support ASHTAR’s work.
• The Library, offices and Multi-purpose Room need desks, chairs, shelving and multimedia equipment so our team can finally work under one roof after 35 years in rented spaces.
• Amphitheatre - still has to be built: an open-air stage with a backstage building for showcases, festivals and community events in the heart of Birzeit’s Old City.

Each of these brings the building closer to the day it is full of students, audiences, visitors from Palestine and abroad, and neighbours, our communities.

Why it matters: Accredited Performing Arts Academy 

For 35 years ASHTAR has trained young Palestinians and toured to more than 72 countries without a home of our own. A 2023 study found that 73% of young Palestinians want to pursue the performing arts, but fewer than 10% have access to any structured training. This building is how we close that gap by offering 2-year full time vocational training in theatre and circus.

How you can help

Your gift now goes directly toward equipping and furnishing these spaces. Please also share this project with friends, colleagues, and communities, who care about Palestinian culture and livelihood where young people become students, students become actors and trainers, trainers and actors become teachers touring artistists, and teachers and touring artists become leaders.

Together we can turn a restored building into a living theatre, home for many, a safe space for exploration and expression.

With gratitude,
The ASHTAR Theatre team

Links:

• Join a digital tour in the newly renovated home for ASHTAR!
• Watch the New Academy Curriculum Training Summer 2025 Film