Alaa Shehada - The Bridge

The Bridge is a new solo show, inspired by a journey made annually by hundreds of thousands of Palestinians: the only route Palestinians in the West Bank have to the outside world.

The production, which premieres on 2 and 3 January at Theater Bellevue, combines storytelling, stand-up, physical comedy and theatre. The play tells the story of a journey from Alaa’s hometown of Jenin, in the occupied West Bank, to neighbouring Jordan.
Central to the journey is a large yellow jerrycan of olive oil, from his family's annual harvest. The gift – packed by his mother in Jenin and destined for her sister in Amman – travels with Alaa past a series of Palestinian, Israeli and Jordanian checkpoints. This route is collectively known as ‘the bridge’ and forms the only route through which Palestinians from the West Bank can leave and return home.

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Following the success of The Horse of Jenin, Palestinian actor, comedian and two times Fringe First winner Alaa Shehada is premiering in the Netherlands with The Bridge. The Bridge is a new solo show inspired by a journey made by hundreds of thousands of Palestinians every year, the only route Palestinians in the West Bank have to the outside world.

Premiering at the Bellevue Theatre on the 2 & 3 of January, the production combines storytelling, stand-up, physical comedy and theatre to tell the story of a trip from Alaa's home in Jenin in the occupied West Bank to neighbouring Jordan.

At the centre of the journey is a large yellow container of olive oil from his family's annual harvest. Packed by his mother in Jenin and destined for her sister in Amman, the gift accompanies Alaa as he travels through a series of Palestinian, Israeli occupation and Jordanian checkpoints known collectively as ‘the bridge’ - the only route through which Palestinians living in the West Bank can leave and return home.

Inspired by his own experiences, The Bridge uses humour, vivid storytelling and a cast of memorable characters to explore what this crossing means to the people who make it every day. Along the way, Alaa reflects on family, belonging and the simple hope that one day Palestinians might be able to travel freely through an airport of their own.

The show follows the success of The Horse of Jenin, which won a Fringe First Award in 2025 and returning to Edinburgh, to win the Fringe First Award again in 2026, following a sold-out run and widespread critical acclaim. Like its predecessor, The Bridge focuses on everyday life rather than political rhetoric, finding warmth, absurdity and humanity in the experiences of ordinary people.

Alaa Shehada said: “Every Palestinian knows the bridge. It is a place of waiting, frustration, reunions, goodbyes and hope. For some people, it represents freedom, for others, separation. It is the place where journeys begin and end.

“The olive oil I carry in the show is something very ordinary, but it represents so much more. It's family, memory, home and connection. The Bridge is ultimately about people and the things that bind us together, even when we are separated by borders and distance.

“After the response to The Horse of Jenin, I wanted to tell another story that audiences may never have encountered before, but one that is instantly recognisable in its themes of family, belonging and the desire to stay connected to the people we love.”

The Bridge forms part of a wider programme presented by Palestine Comedy Club, which showcases Palestinian voices through comedy, theatre and storytelling.