The Bridge

A solo show by Palestinian actor and comedian Alaa Shehada, combining storytelling, stand-up and physical comedy in an account of a journey across the bridge in the Jordan Valley.

The Bridge follows Alaa Shehada as he carries an annual gift of olive oil from his mother in Jenin to her sister in Amman. The oil is pressed from his grandfather's trees, and the large yellow container he takes with him begins to leak as he moves through border crossings. The route runs over the bridge in the Jordan Valley, the sole passage open to Palestinians from the West Bank travelling out of or back into the territory.

Written with Sam Beale, who also directs, the production mixes storytelling, stand-up and physical comedy. It draws on Alaa's own journey and on the people who join him on this road trip, and it treats family, hope and joy alongside colonialism and the British involvement in Palestine.

Alaa Shehada returns after The Horse of Jenin, the debut show that won a Scotsman Fringe First. The production is staged at the Bush Theatre, and relaxed, captioned and audio-described performances are included in the run.