The highly acclaimed and darkly funny one-man show The Horse of Jenin is officially returning to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for a limited late-summer run. Performed by Palestinian actor and comedian Alaa Shehada, the production follows a breakthrough season last year that achieved complete sold-out status, secured a prestigious Fringe First Award, and earned a spot on Rolling Stone's list of the Top 10 Shows of the Fringe. The show is scheduled to run at the Pleasance Courtyard Beyond from August 18 to August 30, 2026.
The production seamlessly blends traditional theatre, comedy, mask work, and personal memoir to deliver a deeply human narrative about childhood and resilience. The story is directly inspired by Shehada's experiences growing up in Jenin within the occupied West Bank. At the emotional core of the performance is a historic 15-foot horse sculpture constructed from the rubble of homes destroyed during a 2002 military invasion. Created by German artist Thomas Kilpper alongside local teenagers, the monument stood as a symbol of community creativity before it was later bulldozed by the Israeli army.
Rather than adopting a strictly political focus, The Horse of Jenin deliberately explores everyday life behind global news headlines. Through vivid storytelling and sharp humor, Shehada introduces audiences to his neighbors, family members, first crushes, and childhood adventures, finding warmth and absurdity alongside intense hardship. "This is ultimately a story about people," Shehada stated, noting that audiences from around the world have connected deeply with the underlying human experiences reflected in the show.
The returning production forms part of a broader artistic showcase presented by the Palestine Comedy Club, an organization dedicated to amplifying contemporary Palestinian voices. Alongside The Horse of Jenin, the company will debut Hanna Shammas Takes It To Heart, a new solo production exploring identity, health, and life in the diaspora. They will also present The Bridge, a collaborative piece tracking borders and physical restriction through personal storytelling, which also features Shehada. Tickets for the upcoming theatrical run are available through the central Edinburgh Fringe box office registry.
