Sumud Ensemble
We are a Tāmaki Makarau-based collective of Palestinian, Māori and Tauiwi artists creating theatre, music and performance rooted in solidarity, storytelling and collective liberation.
Mission Statement
Our purpose is to advance the arts, education and community wellbeing through theatre, film, dance, festivals, workshops, storytelling and other creative projects.
We are committed to uplifting Palestinian, Māori, and other peoples that are often censored and impacted by colonisation; fostering connection across communities, and creating work that responds to injustice, supports healing and brings culture to life.
See here some of the creation process of Asra: Stories of Palestinian Prisoners
Upcoming Events and shows
Asra is now available to tour!
A versatile, powerful verbatim puppet show directed by Palestinian theatre-maker and lecturer Dr. Rand Hazou.
We would love to take this beautiful production into schools to community groups, universities, marae and anywhere it would be appreciated.
Get in touch to start a korero around how we can come to you!
A one-woman theatre piece about Artist and Activist Rachel Corrie who was killed by an Israeli bulldozer in 2003. This show is ready to tour Aotearoa. Easy to travel to schools and community groups.
Talk to us about how to make this happen!
Edited by Alan Rickman and Katharine Viner, My Name Is Rachel Corrie is taken from journal entries and emails Rachel wrote from age 12. However, the play focusses on her final months, during which she joined the International Solidarity Movement to support Palestinian nonviolent resistance to occupation. She was tragically martyred in Gaza at 23 years old.
Rachel is a fiery, quirky, and deeply relatable. She isn’t perfect but she shows up anyway. She is a witness. She paints pictures in our minds that, unlike the images we see in the news, are full of colour, character and tenderness.
Rachel’s words remind us that 22 years later, as Gaza is being obliterated, the struggle remains the same. But so does the power of words, of love, and of holding onto our humanity despite the horrors.
Rising From Gaza, connecting the world.
On October 16th, arts groups all over the world will stage readings of new plays to have come out of Gaza.
Sumud Ensemble are proud to participate and are hosting a reading at
Corban Estate Arts Centre on October 16th 6pm
Workshops and Classes
Term 4 kids acting classes lead by acclaimed actor and teacher Acacia O’Connor
Designed for kids of all ages, Acacia blends script work, improv and theatre games to help children build confidence and collaboration skills. Working towards a magical show at the end of term!
$15 per class or $120 for the term.
The Cellar Art Club
2 Mount Lebanon Ln, Henderson, Auckland
In term 4 we are laughing in the faces of the colonisers and the ongoing colonial project.
With the election coming up we want to find fun ways to engage by pretending to be a group called Governor George Grey Appreciation Secret Society (GGGASS)
Lead by Rowan Brookes who has years of experience campaigning for the Greens and going into public spaces as satirical political characters.
Build confidence improvising and creating characters!
Trial class free! $15 per class.
Tuesdays 6.15-8.15
The Cellar Art Club
2 Mount Lebanon Ln, Henderson, Auckland
Join a group of internationals reading new Palestinian plays.
Fortnightly on Wednesday evenings 8pm
Sign up for zoom link
Join the Sumud Ensemble Choir
Incorporating Arabic folk songs, Kapa Haka, Waiata Whakatauki and songs for liberation.
Lead by Eva Maria Ghannam, Ariana Williams and Acacia O’Connor
Open to everyone! Casual commitment until we have performances.
Koha highly appreciated
Rehearsing fortnightly on Sundays 5pm - 7pm
The Cellar Art Club
2 Mount Lebanon Ln, Henderson, Auckland