Arab Media & Society

This article raises some important and novel comparisons between state-led propaganda and individual activism. Hunt’s examination of Israeli media strategy during the Gaza War illustrates the lessons the Israeli military learned from the 2006 Lebanese War in limiting information. The brief discussion of the Al Arabiya/Al Jazeera rivalry during the conflict also provides useful background on the politics of the mainstream media. However, Hunt’s exploration of Cheryl Churchill’s play focuses too much on theatrical criticism and on establishing her credentials as a playwright. While the criticism and praise of the play helps to place the use of theatre as “politically engaged” art in a wider media context, Hunt tends to concentrate on her background to the detriment of her play. Nonetheless, the overall dramatic picture is relevant in that it leads to Hunt’s “thought experiment” calling for a new dialogue on or inquiry into the War on Terror. As a medium for change, theatre produces a visceral reaction in its audience which can truly break the cycle of “one-dimensional” thought. At a performance of Naomi Wallace’s The Fever Chart in Cairo, I saw firsthand the challenges of framing the Palestinian/Israeli conflict in different contexts. As frequently occurs with the mention of Israel in the arts, the specter of normalization was raised by the actors following the performance as they unanimously rejected it in a joint statement. Therefore, while theatre may be able to frame issues differently, the medium still may fall short in creating lasting change.

Mark Visona