Hanna Eady and Edward Mast's The Mulberry Tree is set for a world premiere engagement at La MaMa ETC. Directed by Alexandra Aron, the production will run February 9-25, with an official opening February 12. 

The work explores the creation of the state of Israel in 1948 from the perspective of a Palestinian boy. The boy and his beloved neighbor, a rabbi, struggle to maintain their friendship in a village filled with conflict, until it becomes impossible. 

The cast includes Adam Bakri (Omar), Ron Guttman (Godfather of Harlem), Rachel Botchan (King of the Jews), Louis Sallan (Selling Kabul), Najla Said (Palestine), and Ramsey Faragallah (Richard III). Casting is by Stephanie Klapper.

“Despite what is happening at the present moment, there was a time in recent history when Muslims, Jews and Christian all lived together peacefully and happily in historic Palestine,” Said shared in a statement. “My own father was born in that place, at that time. This play, firmly settled in history and based in truth, tells the story of two very close families whose deep long-standing friendship is challenged by the forces of politics and nationalism. I think at this time the best thing we can do as artists is try to imagine and create possibilities for the future, and sometimes that requires a closer look at both our humanity and our shared past. This play gives us the chance to do just that.” 

The production features set design by Izmir Ikbal, costume design by Dina El-Aziz, lighting design by Emmanuelle Delgado, projection design by Tal Yarden, and original music by Hadi Eldebek. Production stage manager is Debora Porazzi, and assistant stage manager is Erin Mittman. 

The Mulberry Tree is produced by John Breen for Loose Change Productions, and presented by La MaMa in association with Loose Change Production and Sari Sari Women of Color Arts Coup.

Visit LaMaMa.org for more information or to purchase tickets.