How does the experience of borders and displacement shape language?

Marah Haj Hussein, who received the Roel Verniers Award from Het Theaterfestival in 2023 and the "Most Appreciated Performance by an Actor Under 35" award in 2025, Language is not a problem."at" or "in" (depending on the context).Language: No problem.The film tells its story by incorporating audio recordings taken from the family living in occupied Palestine, allowing them to share their own experiences. Through its powerful narrative, combined with audio and visual elements, the film vividly demonstrates how one language can suppress another over time and how this can impact generations.

How do different languages coexist in our minds when we live under pressure? How does living between multiple languages affect our perception of borders and displacement? The play tells a personal story set on a train journey through Belgium. Throughout the journey, the narrative is interwoven with audio recordings of family members living in occupied Palestine. We hear their voices, speaking in Palestinian Arabic, the language of their daily lives, and reflecting on their relationship with Hebrew, the official language of the state they live in, and what it means to live between these two languages.

The play also highlights a often overlooked aspect of colonialism, showcasing how the language of the settlers gradually pushed the indigenous language into the background over generations. By blending humor, anger, love, and absurdity, the performance embraces the aspects of language that can never be fully translated, inviting the audience to reflect on the theme of resistance.

"This is not just a performance; it's a journey that invites introspection, touches emotions, and opens the door to a dialogue that we need now more than ever."

- The Theater Festival Jury.

"Marah Haj Hussein powerfully demonstrates how language can be transformed into a tool of oppression."

—Theaterkrant.

MONTY & MOUSSEM

Concept and Performance. Marah Haj Hussein.

Sound Design. Anton Lambert

Music and Composition. Verena Rizzo

Projection Mapping and Technical Applications. Koen de Saeger.

Dramaturgy. Krystel Khoury.

Set and Costume Design. Agnese Forlani.

Decoration. Mohamed Sultan

Lighting Design. Pol Seif.

Supporters. The Theater Festival, City of Antwerp Fund for Emerging Artists.

Thank you. Kaaitheater, Toneelhuis, Kunstcentrum BUDA, A Two Dogs Company, DeSingel, hetpaleis, Thomas Bellinck, Barakat Haj, Lubna Haj, Luna Haj, Hala Haj, Sari Haj, Moanes Fahoum, Anan Saadi, Fadia Shehadeh, Hashem Shehadeh.

Age Restriction: 16+

It lasts approximately 70 minutes; there are no breaks. The film is in Arabic, Hebrew, English, and Dutch, with Turkish subtitles.

There will be a question and answer session with Marah Haj Hussein after the performance on November 28th.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION.

The venue has a limited number of parking spaces, and there is one designated parking space for people with disabilities.

The venue has a dining and beverage area.

There is no cloakroom service available.

ACCESSIBILITY

The location is accessible by the M4 metro line and the B1 Marmaray line (Ayrılık Çeşmesi station - exit towards the 1st Hospitals, 900 meters), as well as by bus and minibus (Koşuyolu Bridge stop, approximately 500 meters).