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

Sofia Asir

In this instalment of the Orange Tapes, Sofia Asir reads a powerful firsthand account from Hossam Madhoun, sharing one of his messages from Gaza, the ‘Butterfly Effect’ written between October 2023 and May 2024.

Sofia Asir, fkaDanu, is a Palestinian actress from Jenin, now living in London. Her career spans international film and television, with recent projects including The Way of the Wind, directed by Terrence Malick, and a range of indie films in Arabic that highlight Arab narratives. Sofia starred in the Arab queer indie film Fay’s Palette, directed by Anas Batahaf, and recently completed filming All Before You, a historical drama where she portrays Diyala, a feminist activist in 1930s Jerusalem, directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Annemarie Jacir. On stage, Sofia earned acclaim for her performance as Salwa in the Olivier-nominated play Two Palestinians Go Dogging at the Royal Court Theatre. A bilingual performer of mixed heritage, Sofia holds a BA (Hons) degree from Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance. You can follow her on:

Instagram: @sofia__asir

Kareem Samara

In this special instalment of the Orange Tapes, Kareem Samara performs a stunning rendition of ‘Yamma Mwel El Hawa’, a Palestinian folk song, depicting a story of Palestine, love and resistance through music.

Kareem Samara is an improviser and composer from London. He has worked extensively in theatre as a composer and his various projects have seen him tour across the United States and Europe. He combines the Oud and Arabic percussion, with loopers and samplers to create a new dialogue between himself and technology, between the past, the present and the future. Honouring all his musical traditions, he challenges the empty political posturing of the music industry and uses his music to advocate for a free Palestine through collective liberation. Currently he is the Arabic music advisor on the forthcoming musical ‘The Shadow World’ based on the award winning arms trade expose book and film. Theatre credits include ‘Hakawatis’ Shakespeare’s Globe,  ‘A History of Water in the Middle East’ Royal Court, ‘You Bury Me’ Bristol Old Vic, ‘The Chronicles of Majnoon Leila’ The Gate Theatre, ‘Wipe These Tears’ Camden Peoples Theatre. You can follow him on:

Instagram: @kareemsamaramusic