I'm currently helping with a production of a play called Arab/Israeli Cookbook being performed at Aquinas College this weekend. The play is based on the research of the daily lives of those from the Gaza Strip in the Arab/Israeli conflict, which "relishes the contrast between the ordinary and the extraordinary, showing how most of the characters have learned to live with the daily terror of war. To do so, they embrace everyday things, such as cooking. And the cuisine of the Middle East is as complex as the situation of its Arabs, Jews and Christians." Through all the blood, sweat, and tears (mostly sweat and tears) I can't believe it's the final week of production.
Each of the characters have memorable lines that I feel apply to life, irregardless of where you live. Some of them include:
Rena (Rachel Varley)- "If you don't go, they've won, they've won hands down": she moved to Israel from America, and is one of the more wealthy Israelis compared to most people and she knows this. She knows of the danger here, but chooses to live here still. She's a widow, but that label doesn't stop her from living her life to the fullest. It's her will to continue that drives her.
Yaakov (Cordello Jordan)- "You can't re-route your life": a bus driver who had to see his co-worker's bus explode. He's not a coward by nature, and feels that people should face their problems rather than run away. He realizes that it's the people who get up in the morning, and do their job are the ones who make society work, despite all the obstacles that could come in the way.
Nadia (Catie Berg)- "All I can do is live for God and not for man": she knows of the conflict all too well, especially when three Hamas are shot dead outside of her gate one day. While she's hopeful for the future, she's also realistic, knowing that while all these efforts for peace are touching and God would approve, it doesn't stir the hearts of those with the earthly power.
If you're in the Grand Rapids area, please come and see the show. I may be being a little biased, but both the cast and crew have done a wonderful job. It was definitely a love/hate relationship working on this show, but it was well worth it. It gave me more insight on not only their culture, but a greater appreciation of where I live and greater appreciation for good in general.