The François Abu Salem Project is a cross-cultural archival and artistic initiative by Amer Khalil and Lydia Ziemke, dedicated to preserving and activating the legacy of François Abu Salem, a foundational figure in Palestinian theatre and co-founder of the Palestinian National Theatre (El Hakawati) in Jerusalem. Building on their acclaimed production ABOUT FRANÇOIS, the project revisits Abu Salem’s extensive archive – videos, photographs, writings, sets, and recordings – to transform it into a living resource. Planned activities include establishing a library and media archive, developing a small museum display, conceiving a François Abu Salem Prize for young performers, and initiating workshops and exchanges with emerging theatre artists across Palestine. The project strengthens intergenerational dialogue and sustains cultural practice under conditions of political precarity.
Amer Khalil is Artistic Director of the Palestinian National Theatre. Lydia Ziemke is a Berlin-based theatre director and founder of suite42.
