A Knock on the Roof Offers a Personal Lens on Life in Gaza

Khawla Ibraheem’s monologue at the Royal Court explores the daily struggles of a mother navigating the constant threat of violence, though it avoids deeper political engagement.

• The play, written and performed by Khawla Ibraheem, focuses on Mariam, a young mother in Gaza, as she prepares for potential airstrikes while caring for her son and elderly mother.
• The title refers to the Israeli Defense Forces' practice of dropping warning bombs on civilian buildings before larger strikes, a central theme of Mariam’s obsessive escape rehearsals.
• Originally conceived in 2014, the play’s long development reflects the enduring hardships faced by Palestinians, though it avoids direct references to the current conflict or October 7, 2023 events.
• Critics noted the production’s intimate portrayal of personal fears and resilience, but some felt its lack of broader political context left the Israeli side as faceless antagonists.
• Directed by Oliver Butler, the 75-minute monologue incorporates humor, vivid staging, and music to balance its heavy subject matter, offering a poignant but narrowly focused perspective.

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