Summary of "Alternativity"

Bethlehem is mostly known for being the birthplace of Jesus. Christmas as well is mentioned largely when spoken about Bethlehem. There is a lot of upset people in Bethlehem and the recent addition of a large wall which separates the Palestinian part of the community, has made this once "truly incredible and festive city" into "a tense and war like zone." Banksy, who is a famous but, controversial artist, has installed two hotels in the city, using them as not only a way to display his art but also, and more importantly, to make a political statement about the wall. The wall to him had a great impact and wanted others to know about it as well. He expressed it through his work. 

Interested in exploring evolution of the city that created Christmas, Banksy decides he wants to create a new theatre/art performance piece. Building off of the theme of Christmas and Bethlehem, he decides to do a more modern and politically charged nativity play. The play will also take place near the wall, adding to the political overall feeling of the play and making this warlike monument into something beautiful. Due to the fact that Banksy has a lack of experience in film and directing, he decides to recruit the famous British film director, Danny Boyle. Boyle makes his way Bethlehem and stays at one of Banksy’s hotel called The Walled Off Hotel. He then begins his research and starts planning for the event. The hotel’s only view is of the wall surrounding them and they are in direct site of an Israeli watchtower that were both manned by snipers.

Banksy and Boyle decide they need to get help on their project and enlist a assistant director who works well with children, likes the idea of the piece, and is a local to the area. They choose to enlist Riham Isaac, a young theatre director. They have all come to a consensus that the community and the local children should be a part of this experience and process. With Riham’s help, they begin the process, at first breaking down what in particular they want to do with their nativity play. Isaac and Boyle begin to look at Banksy’s storyboard art for the play and discuss what they enjoy and what they would like to modify. The conversation they arises of how much they are willing to expose to the children involved. After discussion with Banksy, they decide to decrease the initial amount of disturbing or over the top content and decide that the children shouldn’t be used as pawns in their agenda. Once their idea is established, Isaac and Boyle cast some local children as the nativity scene parts.

Many of the children involved in the piece are heavily affected by the political climate of the city and many of them don’t know what’s beyond the wall. One of the young actor’s father had just been taken away for resisting the Israeli government and her mother discusses what happened just a few days prior. There is discussion of whether or not she should continue in the show.One issue that the team faced was trying to gain an audience and get others involved. Many people were skeptical for many reasons. First, due to the unsafe conditions of the area, people did not feel safe. Also, the subject matter did not get others involved, and people did not want to subject their children to the political climate during Christmas. Through talking with locals and adding more beauty and theatricality to their piece, by adding snow, and a live donkey they were able to make the show more attainable and exciting to the community. The show winds up being a success and the political message is clearly presented to the audience.