Qatar Museums Presents World Premiere of 'Mujaddad': A New Musical Play Where the Voice of Palestine Meets South Africa

Qatar Museums is presenting the world premiere of the theatrical production “Mujaddad,” a new musical-theatrical experience that explores the history of the struggle for freedom and self-determination in both South Africa and Palestine. Based on an original concept by writer and historian Tariq Ali, the production, presented by Isango Ensemble, brings together performances by South African artists and Palestinian testimonies in a new work that examines the connections between these two distinct historical narratives. The show will be staged at the Abdulaziz Nasser Theatre in Souq Waqif from October 27 to 31, 2026, in collaboration with Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, fostering dialogue and critical cultural discussions through live performance.

This production is the result of a collaboration between the Olivier Award-winning South African company Isango Ensemble and Palestinian writer Sandus Sabra. It was commissioned by Qatar Museums. The play is directed by Mark Dornford-May, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the company, with assistance from director Max Roberts and choreographer Lungelo Ngamlana. This production marks the first appearance of Isango Ensemble in the Gulf region.

Speaking on the occasion, Zeina Arida, Director of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, said: “‘Mujaddad’ does not invite the audience to view history from a distance; rather, it brings together testimonies from South Africa and Palestine on a single stage, urging us to listen. This is precisely the kind of dialogue the museum seeks to embrace, and we are delighted that Doha is the first stop on this journey for these talented artists in the Gulf.”

Mark Dornford-May, Artistic Director of the production, stated: “‘Mujaddad’ explores what happens when we allow stories often viewed in isolation to converse with one another. As a company from South Africa, we bring our lived and inherited experiences with apartheid and its resistance, alongside Sandus’s words and Palestinian testimonies. Our task was to bring these voices together through music, movement, and performance, without erasing their differences, and to present a work that pulses with human presence and speaks directly to our reality.”

Palestinian writer Sandus Sabra commented: “When I wrote these words, I was trying to hold on to moments that would otherwise fade, to people, places, and memories, and to the reality of what it means for a person to live with loss and displacement. I never imagined that my words would find their way to the stage. Hearing them in other voices is painful, but it is also a form of survival. As long as the story can be told, it has not yet been erased.”

Writer and historian Tariq Ali said: “Three years ago, the idea of bringing together two historical narratives—the South African and the Palestinian—came to me. I am delighted that Isango Ensemble has developed this concept and brought it to the stage. I extend my thanks to Qatar Museums and Mathaf, and to everyone who played a key role in turning this production into reality.”

Running for 90 minutes, the production combines music, movement, and spoken word, placing the experiences and historical examples of both South Africa and Palestine in mutual dialogue, addressing themes of resistance and the struggle for liberation. The work relies heavily on the words and testimonies of Palestinian writer Sandus Sabra, including new texts and excerpts from her published diaries in the book “Voices of Resistance: Diaries of Genocide,” published by Comma Press.

The production features 15 artists from South Africa and the United Kingdom, with Sabra’s words interwoven with the performers’ lived and inherited experiences of apartheid, deindustrialization, working-class resistance, conflict, and displacement.

The work was developed over two years in South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East, and features specially composed music, choral performance, physical movement, and live testimonies.

Qatar Museums continues to support ambitious cultural projects that engage directly with artists and visions from around the world, amplifying marginalized voices, fostering meaningful dialogue, and enabling cross-border connections. The presentation is part of the “Qatar Creates” autumn–winter 2026/2027 season, as well as the “Nation of Progress” campaign, an 18-month initiative honoring Qatar’s cultural journey over the past five decades.