Al Zaytouna’s latest production Unto the Breach is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Henry V set in modern-day Palestine.

Inspired by the Arab Spring and the aspirations of people across the Arab world to change their circumstances and shape their future, the show highlights the efforts of Palestinians to do the same, as well as exploring universal themes of hope, courage, loyalty and determination against the odds.

Directed by award-winning author, playwright and director Ahmed Masoud and co-directed by Hadjer Nacer, the show fuses Palestinian folk dance (‘dabke’) with contemporary dance, poetry and digital media. It is narrated by a Shakespearian chorus and set to a soundtrack of traditional Palestinian music and original compositions by Dave Randall, composer and guitarist from Faithless and Slovo.

Unto the Breach debuted at the artsdepot in London in November 2012 to critical acclaim.

The show is supported by a BBC Performing Arts Grant.