About this Event
Mornings in Jenin Musical: A Concert Presentation
Join Meem Collective for a sneak peek concert presentation of Mornings in Jenin Musical, an original musical in development, created by Amal Bisharat with music written in collaboration with Bahar Royaee, and adapted from the internationally bestselling novel by susan abulhawa.
This female-driven story follows Amal Abulheja, a Palestinian refugee born in Jenin Refugee Camp after her family was forcibly displaced from their olive-farming village of Ein Hod during the 1948 Nakba. Spanning generations, the musical is a love story—about what it means to love someone, to love home, and how that love can never actually be lost.
With a stellar cast of singers and a dynamic six-member fusion ensemble featuring oud, bass, guitar, synthesizer, electronics, drums and Arabic percussion, the musical blends contemporary alt-pop with traditional Arabic instrumentation, creating a surreal atmospheric realism that immerses audiences into a space of empathy, reflection, and cross-cultural understanding.
This one-night concert offers audiences a special opportunity to experience the music of this developing new musical while supporting its journey toward a full production. Immediately following the concert, we will have a toast and reception where the audience can meet the artists and learn more about how to support the project.
This concert is funded by San Francisco Arts Commission, with special thanks to A.C.T. and Golden Thread Productions.
Featuring
Vocals
Sophia Alawi • Déa Julien • Sleiman Alahmadieh • Aidaa Peerzada • Amal Bisharat
Ensemble
Bahar Royaee (synthesizer, electronics, piano) • Matt Wright (oud) • Jim Grippo (qanun) • Paul Westwater (guitar) • Nick Waters (bass, guitar) • Stefanos Athinaios (percussion, drums) • Miles Lassi (drums)
Team
Directed by Amal Bisharat
Artistic Producer Marina Johnson
Lights Max Bowman
Sound Design Bahar Royaee
Production Assistant Barbara Lyon
October 24, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Rueff Flex Space at A.C.T. Theatre (at the Strand Building)
1127 Market Street, San Francisco, CA
Doors at 7:30; the performance runs about 60 minutes with reception to follow.
❤️ No one turned away for lack of funds! ❤️
If you’d like to join us but the cost of a ticket is a barrier, please email [email protected] and we’ll happily provide you with a free ticket. No questions asked.
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Photo by Hillary Goidell
"What Do the Women Say?"
March 8 2024, Brava Theater, San Francisco, CA
Pictured: Jamiel St. Rose, Yasaman Asgari, Zaya Kolia, Sophia Alawi, Lena Sibony
More info:
https://www.meemcollective.com/
https://www.meemcollective.com/mijm
https://vimeo.com/1142669766?fl=pl&fe=sh
Event venue & nearby stays
American Conservatory Theater, 415 Geary Street, San Francisco, United States
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