Tuesday 15th October – One Performance Only @ 7pm
A play about the colonisation of Palestine
The Invaders’ Fear of Memories
Written and performed by Benjamin Rivers
Directed by Linda Wise
The performance will be followed by a post show discussion.
“The Invaders’ Fear of Memories” is a solo theatre piece based on the life and diaries of Yousef Nachmani – a Russian Jew who migrated from Tsarist Russia to Ottoman Palestine in 1907. Nachmani became Director of the Jewish National Fund in the Galilee, playing a central role in the forced displacement of thousands of Palestinians. The play offers a view into the origins of settler-colonialism, ethnic cleansing and apartheid in modern day Israel. It explores themes of loyalty, violence, ideology and grief. “The Invaders’ Fear of Memories” is performed by Ben Rivers, the great grandson of Nachmani. The play spans 4 decades with Rivers moving between 12 different characters.
Since August 2023 it has been performed to diverse audiences in France, Australia and South Africa.
“The Invaders’ Fear of Memories,” a one-man play by Ben Rivers, is both an urgently needed piece of history and an extraordinary work of art. Rivers, portraying twelve characters, brings to life his own great-grandfather’s story, first as an oppressed Jew in Tsarist Russia and then his inexorable transformation into an active participant in the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from their homeland. With gorgeous, stirring songs in Ukrainian, Yiddish, Hebrew and Arabic woven throughout, “The Invaders’ Fear of Memories” confronts us with the tragic cycles of history in which we are still caught. It could not be more relevant in today’s violent world.”
– Jo Salas, Author and co-founder of Playback Theatre, New York.
Run time 75 mins.
Net proceeds will go to Anar for Empowerment and Psychosocial Support , Occupied Palestine
Tickets: €15, €12
*Booking fees apply.
