Join us at Cottiers for a one-off performance of 
Oud Player on the Tel! 
This piece, written by Tom Block from the International Human Rights Arts Movement and directed by Jesica Garrou, aims to tell the story of how the founding of Israel on Palestinian land could have been a catalyst for peace, and instead became 75+ years of conflict into the war of today. Although very sensitive to the Palestinian narrative, it also shows how the Jewish people were "hanging by a thread" at that time, and points out that the British and, to a lesser extent America, played a role in beginning this ongoing conflict. The piece aims to educate, as well as open new doorways of understanding in a situation desperately in need of it.
The work is presented by the 
International Human Rights Art Movement
, whose foundational values are Beauty as a fundamental creative valu; sincerity and vulnerability of presentation (no anger or finger pointing, which only stifles conversation); celebration of diversity and opening doorways of engagement between people who are in disagreement.
Oud Player on the Tel
 grows out of more than two decades of Tom Block’s work at the forefront of the Palestinian-Israeli peace movement. He published 
Shalom/Salaam: A Story of a Mystical Fraternity 
(exploring the Islamic mystical influence on Jewish spirituality) in the USA and Turkey in 2010. He published a Jewish-Sufi quest novel which grew out of this research, 
The Fool Returns
. He was one of two invited Jewish thinkers at the only interfaith conference ever held by al-Azhar University, Cairo)Oud Player on the Tel grows out of more than two decades of Tom Block’s work at the forefront of the Palestinian-Israeli peace movement. He published 
Shalom/Salaam: A Story of a Mystical Fraternity 
(exploring the Islamic mystical influence on Jewish spirituality) in the USA and Turkey in 2010. He published a Jewish-Sufi quest novel which grew out of this research, 
The Fool Returns
. He was one of two invited Jewish thinkers at the only interfaith conference ever held by al-Azhar University, Cairo).
This presentation of "Oud Player on the Tel" includes five of the original cast members, who premiered the piece in New York City in November 2024, as well as the original director, Jesica Garrou and two local actors.
The play is part of the Fringe Programme of events around the 
UNESCO RIELA Spring School: The Arts of Integrating
.
Reviews
Can the tale of two families living in Palestine just before the partition that created the State of Israel shine a light on the current status of affairs? Playwright Tom Block’s Oud Player on the Tel does just that with a combination of wit and empathy." - 
Joel Benjamin, TheaterScene.net
"Oud Player on Tel is a story that needs to be told now more than ever. This original play seemingly uses humor and love to open the audience's hearts and souls. Each actor brings such humanity and vulnerability. Playwright Tom Block has a lot of courage to offer common ground in a world that feels extremely divided. These performances will continue to leave an impact long after watching." - 
Michael Druck, Casting Director, CSA
“The role of art, in my opinion, is to go into the most difficult situations, not turn away from them,” Block said of “Oud Player.” - 
Ambar Castillo, Religion News Service
Audience Reviews
"Oud Player on the Tel portrayed Palestinians very well and there was no stereotype/propaganda of Palestinians and Muslims which I’m grateful for. I loved the friendship between Amir and Melke. The music was beautiful! Every single one of the characters makes a place in your heart! Please go see this production while you can!"
"Breathtaking and devastating. Beautiful storytelling and incredible talent."
"I enjoyed this show tremendously. The acting was brilliant and the play left me in tears."
"A thought-provoking play that invited me to think about a complicated and challenging topic from multiple perspectives."
"This is a brilliantly written play which was enhanced by the direction and acting. It is an important narrative for all to see. I am moved by the story. This one will sit with me for a while."
"Great portrayals of the characters and discourse explaining the perspectives of the Arabs and Jews. Must watch and so timely!"
"The play is at the same time an intimate story of two families and a thought provoking study of the complexities of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Emotional and mind opening. I highly recommend this show."
"Kudos to Playwright Tom Block who opens a doorway to understanding both sides' perspectives and offering new ones in a situation in which most people feel sure in their too often one-sided perspectives. The play is set in the past BUT as Tom states in an interview, "We really need to keep having these conversations until even a frigid peace with a big fat line of demarcation, with UN peacekeepers along it, would be much, much better than what is currently happening there". This poignant, well-conceived, and well-executed play ends on Nov 24th."
"Beautifully written, directed, acted and scored. Extremely engrossing, informative and heartfelt, as well as painful and humorous."
Information Source: UNESCO RIELA | eventbrite

Glasgow

United Kingdom

Searching for information and tickets regarding Oud Player on the Tel | Cottiers Theatre taking place in Glasgow on May 12, 2025 (UTC+1)? Trip.com has you covered. Check the dates, itineraries, and other information about Oud Player on the Tel | Cottiers Theatre now! Trip.com has also prepared more similar exciting activities and discounted flight and hotel packages.

Oud Player on the Tel | Cottiers Theatre: Tickets, Dates & Itineraries | Trip.com

Oud Player on the Tel | Cottiers Theatre

Oud Player on the Tel | Trip.com

null | Trip.com

Spread the word! Share your result with friends and discover their opinions!

Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa

The Tenement House (National Trust for Scotland)

Historic buildings

Sheda11

We came here on a spontaneous visit one Sunday afternoon in January and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Our wee boy loved seeing the &ldquo;old fashioned house&rdquo; and was so well looked after by all the staff, from the cash register to the flat and back out again.

We went round twice (with a shift change between visits!) and the insight into one story of no doubt thousands like it in Glasgow was fantastic. Plus our boy thoroughly enjoyed colouring in his wallie dug. A hidden gem that is well worth the wander through Garnethill.

University of Glasgow

littleyana

This is simply a dream castle. When I arrived, it was the April holiday, and there were almost no people on the road. Only the ancient buildings stood in the cold air, solemn and heavy, which made people feel awe.
[Scenery]

Glasgow Cathedral

Book now for tomorrow

天羽博士

It is said that it can be traced back to the famous William Conquest period. It was built to commemorate St. Diego. It took hundreds of years to build and has been around for nearly a thousand years. It is the oldest religious building in the entire Scottish region. It is also a must-see for tourists.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Museums

Specialty exhibition halls

Njohns13

lovely day exploring the museum
it is a good gem in the heart of Glasgow 
next to the university

George Square

Peggy 

George Square is located in the heart of Glasgow, and it is very convenient to take a train or subway. You can sunbathe in the square on a good day. Near the famous store street, you can buy hand letters, clothes, shoes and socks. There are also many restaurants to choose from. George Square is a must-see attraction. In addition to admiring the architecture of the square; at different festivals, such as Christmas, the square will be transformed into a mobile playground full of dynamic and happy atmosphere.

Oud Player on the Tel | Cottiers Theatre

Details

Vote

Are you interested in Oud Player on the Tel?

Recommended Products for Oud Player on the Tel | Cottiers Theatre

Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa

The Tenement House (National Trust for Scotland)

University of Glasgow

Glasgow Cathedral

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

George Square

Oud Player on the Tel | Cottiers Theatre

Details

Vote

Are you interested in Oud Player on the Tel?

Recommended Products for Oud Player on the Tel | Cottiers Theatre

Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa

The Tenement House (National Trust for Scotland)

University of Glasgow

Glasgow Cathedral

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

George Square

More contents about Glasgow