AGAIN

AGAIN is a major new international theatre work bringing together the histories and lived experiences of South Africa and Palestine, commissioned by Qatar Museums. Through music, storytelling and movement, the production explores the relationship between resistance, memory and solidarity, asking how the struggles of different peoples and generations might speak to one another.

Three years in development, the project originated with an idea by writer, historian and political activist, Tariq Ali, to bring the experiences of apartheid in South Africa and occupation in Palestine into conversation through theatre. Developed through an international collaboration with acclaimed South African theatre company Isango Ensemble, AGAIN draws on the company’s distinctive musical and theatrical traditions, combining newly composed music, choral singing, spoken word and movement.

Inspired by the long Palestinian fight for freedom, AGAIN is based on the writings of Palestinian author Sondos Sabra, drawing on material from her published work ‘Voices of Resistance: Diaries of Genocide’ (Comma Press), and new writing developed for the production, which chart her experience of living under occupation in Gaza. From her words, and the performers’ own lived histories, emerges a powerful performance: placing personal testimony and lived experience at the core of its theatrical language.

Performed by an international ensemble of artists, the production draws on the performers’ own experiences and the histories of their communities. Through collective storytelling, music and physical performance, it explores the connections and differences between two distinct histories of oppression and resistance, and the continuing relevance of solidarity across borders.

AGAIN brings together artists and creative collaborators from South Africa, Palestine and the UK. 

For Third Version Creative, AGAIN reflects an ongoing commitment to developing ambitious international collaborations, supporting artists to work across disciplines and borders, and creating opportunities for new work that engages with contemporary social and political questions.

AGAIN receives its world premiere at the Abdul Aziz Nasser Theatre in Souq Waqif, Doha, from 27–31 October 2026, presented in collaboration with Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art.