Palestinian actor and comedian Alaa Shehada returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with The Horse of Jenin, following a breakthrough 2025 run that earned a Fringe First Award, sold-out audiences and widespread critical acclaim. Running at Pleasance Courtyard Beyond from 18-30 August, the production blends theatre, storytelling, comedy, mask work and personal memoir to tell a deeply human story of friendship, childhood and resilience, inspired by Shehada's experiences growing up in Jenin in the occupied West Bank. At the heart of the show is the Horse of Jenin, a striking 15-foot sculpture created from the rubble of homes destroyed during the 2002 invasion of the city. Built by German artist Thomas Kilpper alongside local Palestinian teenagers, it became a symbol of creativity, freedom and community before later being bulldozed and taken away by the Israeli army. The horse's story forms the emotional backbone of Shehada's acclaimed solo performance. Rather than focusing on politics, The Horse of Jenin explores everyday life behind the headlines. Through vivid storytelling, humour and sharply observed memories, Shehada introduces audiences to family members, neighbours, first crushes, childhood adventures and lifelong friendships forged in extraordinary circumstances. The result is a production that finds warmth, absurdity and joy alongside hardship, revealing the humanity that exists beyond one of the world's most reported conflicts. The Horse of Jenin has attracted international attention, earning a place on Rolling Stone's list of the Top 10 Shows of the Fringe. Critics have praised its warmth, humour and emotional honesty, as well as its ability to celebrate friendship, community and everyday life without reducing Palestinian experience to conflict alone. The Horse of Jenin forms part of a wider Edinburgh Fringe programme presented by Palestine Comedy Club, which showcases Palestinian voices through comedy, theatre and storytelling. Alongside The Horse of Jenin, the company will present two additional productions. Hanna Shammas Takes It To Heart is a new solo show exploring identity, health, belonging and life in the diaspora, while The Bridge examines borders, movement, restriction and separation through a blend of humour and personal storytelling. Shehada also performs The Bridge. Together, the productions offer audiences a rare opportunity to experience a range of contemporary Palestinian stories, exploring themes of friendship, identity, belonging and everyday life through lived experience.

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