Ahmed Tubasi, a Palestinian actor who came to Pakistan, says that Muslims should adopt new ways to present their culture and identity to the world.
At the World Culture Festival held in Karachi recently, Palestinian actor Ahmed Tubasi presented an interesting story in his play “And Here I Am”, which showed a beautiful combination of reality and imagination, tragedy and humor. The narrative is based on Tubasi’s personal life experiences and the common struggle of Palestinians, reflecting his journey from youth to adulthood. His role in the play highlights the hardships in the lives of Palestinians and their determination.
Ahmed Tubasi’s play depicts the hardships of refugees, the search for identity, and the journey to freedom. He explained how Palestinians are resisting through culture and art. Tubasi said, “And Here I Am is not just a story of survival, but a story of the determination and independence of a nation that refuses to remain silent.” Presented in a personal way.
Speaking to the media after the play, Ahmad Tubasi expressed his views and said that it is an honor for him to be performing in Pakistan with artists from different countries. He said, “When we see that artists from all over the world are here in Pakistan, it is a big message. The West only thinks of us as terrorists, but it is important to show that we are also artists. Art unites people, while politics and wars divide people.”
He described the current situation in Palestine as the “worst and most violent genocide in history” and said it was the end of not only the people, but also the identity of the land, culture, and artists. “I have made art a means of expression and resistance and I want to tell my story through art rather than violence,” Tubasi said.
In a message to the Muslim world, Ahmed Tubasi said that the West has long dehumanized Muslims and the Middle East, and Muslims must adopt new ways to present their culture and identity to the world. He said, “It is very important that we inform the world about our identity and reality. We should pay attention to our religion and history as well as culture and art so that other nations can have proper knowledge about us.”
Ahmed Tubasi appreciated the hospitality of the people of Pakistan and said that the love of Pakistani people touched him a lot. He added that we should try to understand each other and present ourselves to the world in a better and truer way.
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**Interview with Ahmed Tubasi: Cultivating Palestinian Identity Through Art**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Ahmed Tubasi! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today, especially after your powerful performance at the World Culture Festival in Karachi. Your play “And Here I Am” certainly resonated with audiences. Can you share a bit about the inspiration behind this production?
**Ahmed Tubasi:** Thank you for having me! The primary inspiration for “And Here I Am” stems from my own life experiences as a Palestinian. I wanted to weave together the narrative of struggle and resilience that defines our identity. The play combines elements of reality and imagination, tragedy and humor, to capture the complexity of our journey from youth to adulthood amidst adversity.
**Interviewer:** It’s fascinating to hear how personal experiences shape your work. You mentioned in your address that you believe Muslims need to adopt new ways of presenting their culture. Can you elaborate on that?
**Ahmed Tubasi:** Absolutely. Art has immense power to transcend borders and convey messages in ways that traditional storytelling might not. For Muslims, especially in today’s world, it’s important to showcase our narratives in innovative and relatable ways, whether through theater, film, or other forms of art. This not only helps in breaking stereotypes but also in forging connections with a global audience who can empathize with our experiences.
**Interviewer:** Your play also touches on themes of identity and the refugee experience. How do you think storytelling can contribute to the broader understanding of these issues?
**Ahmed Tubasi:** Storytelling is a bridge that connects people. By sharing the Palestinian story, particularly the challenges of refugees and the quest for freedom, I hope to foster understanding and empathy. Our struggles are often universal, and through shared stories, we can highlight our common humanity, break down barriers, and promote dialogue about peace and coexistence.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like your work is not just about entertainment but also about raising awareness. What kind of impact do you hope to achieve with your performances?
**Ahmed Tubasi:** My hope is twofold: first, to inspire fellow Palestinians to embrace their identity and culture, showing them that our stories deserve to be told. Second, to unveil the rich, multifaceted nature of Palestinian life to the world, shifting perceptions and fostering respect for our narrative. Ultimately, I believe that through art, we can cultivate a deeper understanding and create pathways toward peace.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Ahmed, for sharing your insights and vision with us. We look forward to seeing how your work continues to evolve and inspire.
**Ahmed Tubasi:** Thank you! It’s been a pleasure talking with you. Let’s continue to promote dialogue through our art.
