The Orange Tapes

Introducing The Orange Tapes, a powerful series of short videos that amplify the voices and creative expressions of Palestinian artists. Each video offers a window into their experiences, from spoken word to instrumental performances, celebrating the rich beauty of Palestinian art and culture.

Bilal Hasna

The series begins with Bilal Hasna reading ‘Not Just Passing’ by Hiba Abu Nada. Bilal is a British-Palestinian writer, actor and facilitator from London.

His debut play ‘For a Palestinian’ enjoyed a five-week sold-out run in London and Bristol, and he has just premiered his debut feature film ‘Layla’ at the Sundance Film Festival this January. You can follow Bilal on Instagram at @bilalhasna_

Alaa Shehada

In this second video, comedian and actor Alaa Shehada, who hails from Jenin, Palestine, takes us on a journey as he shares the story of The Jenin Horse, a symbol of cultural resistance that was seized by Israeli forces in October 2023. You can follow him on the following accounts:

Instagram: @alaashehada_
X : @shehadaalaa

Hannah Khalil

In this instalment of the Orange Tapes, Hannah Khalil shares a personal story about her family’s experiences during the olive season in Palestine.

Hannah was the 2022 Resident Writer at Shakespeare’s Globe, and her work there includes Hakawatis: Women of the Arabian Nights, Henry VIII, and The Fir Tree. Hannah’s other stage plays include A Museum in Baghdad, Interference, and Scenes from 68 Years. She is also the co-creative director of the Not Beckett Festival. You can follow Hannah on:

Twitter @hannykha

Instagram @hannykhawriter

Yousef Alhelou

In this instalment of the Orange Tapes, Yousef Alhelou recounts his personal experience in the Gaza Strip with his family as they spent a day on the beach before October 2023. 

Yousef Alhelou is a British Palestinian journalist and political commentator from Gaza, Palestine. He has been working as a broadcast news correspondent and reporter for various international media outlets since 2006 such as Al Jazeera, BBC, Middle East Eye and many more. Yousef is a UN fellow, an Oxford University Alumni, and holds an MA in International Relations. You can follow him on the following accounts:

Instagram: @alhelou.y

X: @YousefAlhelou