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Press

New Play Exploring Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Gets 3-Week Residency at HERE Arts Center

Amid ongoing global discussions around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, absurdist playwright/philosopher Tom Block's new work, OUD PLAYER ON THE TEL, gets a 3 week run at HERE ART Center to offer a unique lens on the historic roots of the issue. The production is directed by Jesica Garrou and is presented by the International Human Rights Art Movement...

Coexistence, With Oud

 

 

With all the hoopla surrounding the 50th anniversary of “Fiddler on the Roof” on Broadway, the musical’s final scene of the shtetl-dwelling Jews being forced off their land lingers in our minds. But to visual artist and playwright Tom Block, it is not just Jews, but Arabs as well...

“Oud Player on the Tel” wants you to play nice with tough truths after Oct. 7

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“The first step towards peace is going to be understanding. … To get towards understanding, you have to first appreciate that there are two equally righteous narratives and you must be willing to accept the veracity of the other side’s narrative.” ...

Playwright Tom Block aims to tell ‘two equally righteous narratives’ of Israel, Palestine

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In 'Oud Player on the Tel,' playwright Tom Block, who is Jewish and identifies with Islamic mysticism, envisions a friendship between two displaced people in 1947....

Testimonials

"Tom Block’s work reminds us that all stories are true to the people who are telling them, and it is our job to hear these stories, no matter how difficult they are to digest."

 

Marina Bardash Nebro

Program Manager of Adult Programs

at Central Synagogue, NYC

In 'Oud Player on the Tel" playwright Tom Block, who is Jewish and identifies with Islamic mysticism, envisions a friendship between two displaced people in 1947.

May 16, 2024
Ambar Castillo

We are all certainly being tested in our persistence and our faith that justice and peace are possible. I appreciated your play for the perspectives it brought.

 

Dr. Sarah Sayeed

Executive Director of the Civic Engagement Commission, NYC

"I am so glad to have attended the show last week and found the play, preceding panel and talk-back with the audience to be a balm during these horrific times. I am sure many in attendance, myself included, would really love to see a full production. Much gratitude to everyone involved in having the courage to bring multiple vantage points to the broader public and humanize all involved."

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Dinu Ahmed

Public Defender with the New York Immigrant Family Unity Project (NYIFUP)

Awards

Cooper Prize Shortlist

 

Oud Player on the Tel was on the shortlist for the 2024 Cooper Prize Award. We did not move on to the next level, but we were honored to be recognized among the amazing work represented this year.

Queens Arts Fund

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The 2024 Queens Arts Fund is supported in part by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Greater New York Arts Development Fund, in partnership with the City Council.

Bibliography

Selected Bibliography of the Playwright

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