REVIEW: The Horse of Jenin, Alaa Shehada, EdFringe 2026 ★★★★

Alaa Shehada returns with his smash-hit solo show The Horse of Jenin, an astonishing reflection of life in his hometown, interwoven with the symbol of the horse. The hope of freedom, a promise at birth, and how this becomes a point of resistance. 

Shehada is a compelling performer with a lot of humour and a lot of heart. An alumnus of the Freedom Theatre in Palestine, his theatrical training is present throughout his work here. His use of mask to construct his grandfather is beautiful, as well as a childhood friend, and a first love. Always respecting the conventions of mask, his monologue is one of broad proportions, travelling through time and place effectively.

The Horse of Jenin is not political, but intensely politicised. It is about a human life with all its personal moments — love, family, friendship — shaped by political forces of oppression. It is a testimony from a country treated unjustly by much of the Western world — invested against, attacked and provoked, occupied.

A hugely moving thread is built around Shehada’s childhood friend, Ahmed, which along with the horse becomes the emotional centre of the piece. Shehada’s grandfather gives him a horse and explains it is a symbol of peace for a land that so values it, a land so devoid of peace.

Still in an artwork vein, the horse is built on as metaphor by a sculpture built by German artist Thomas Kilpper, inspiring Shehada to make art himself. He playfully develops an artist persona, complete with beret and moustache. It becomes an act through which Shehada can mark moments of his life: his first cigarette, his first kiss (and a bloodied nose).

The horse isn’t represented onstage, its peace was demolished long ago. But it is invoked again and again as an act of memory. At the end of The Horse of Jenin, Shehada gives the horse to us, as it was given to him. 

The show needs a little more breathing room than its short runtime allows, we are certainly left wanting more. The stand-up comedy is funny and surprisingly meta-theatrical. The theatre is brilliant. The Horse of Jenin is moving and unforgettable. Essential viewing.

Recommended Drink: Arabic Coffee. This one’s good to sip on with friends. 

You can catch The Horse of Jenin at Pleasance Courtyard (Beyond) from August 21-30 at 13.15 (75 minutes). Tickets available through the EdFringe Box Office.