12 April,

#Cúirt40 /

The Cúirt Lecture with Ahmed Masoud: The Literature of Sumud

Saturday, 12 April 2025, 5:30pm

Town Hall Theatre / €16.00 | €14.00
Book Now

There has been numerous research on Palestinian literature describing it as the “Literature of Resistance”, a set of works designed specifically to challenge the Israeli occupation and its colonial stereotypes. For author Ahmed Masoud who grew up in Gaza, Palestine, literature provided people with Sumud (resilience) to allow them to endure years of harsh reality. Poetry, for instance, became the comforting therapeutic medium of writing cocooning writers and readers with the hope needed to survive. In this lecture, Masoud will discuss this form of literature and how Gaza has been over the centuries a literary hub for the entire region.

Ahmed Masoud is the author of the acclaimed novels Vanished – The Mysterious Disappearance of Mustafa Ouda and Come What May. Ahmed is a writer, poet and director who grew up in Palestine and moved to the UK in 2002. Ahmed’s Theatre and Radio Drama credits include: The Florist of Rafah (2024), Passports, Jinn, Mo Salah and Other Complicated Things (2023), Application 39 (WDR Radio, Germany 2018) Camouflage (London 2017), The Shroud Maker (London 2015 – still touring), Walaa, Loyalty (London 2014, funded by the Arts Council England), Escape from Gaza (BBC Radio 4 2011). Ahmed is the founder of Al Zaytouna Dance Theatre (2005 – 2013) where he wrote and directed many productions with subsequent tours in the UK and Europe, including Unto the Breach (London and Vienna 2012) Between the Fleeting Words (London, Zurich, Freiburg, Ljubljana, Madrid 2010 – 2012). Ila Haif (London, Freiburg 2008-2010) Hassad (London 2007-2008). After finishing his PhD research, Ahmed published many journals and articles including a chapter in the Britain and Muslim World: A Historical Perspective (Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2011). Most recently, Ahmed launched his new artistic initiative called PalArt Collective. For more information, please see www.ahmedmasoud.co.uk

Event Location

Town Hall Theatre

1 Courthouse Square, Galway, H91 VF21

Book Now Back to What's On

Access Statements Cúirt

The main auditorium is step free with accessible seating and
accessible toilet facilities. Please let the box office know of any
requirements so that they can assist with seating. There are two
accessible parking spaces on Waterside immediately by the
venue and a further two spaces on Corrib Terrace. There is a
Loop System in every auditorium. There is a Fresh Air Distribution
System. All events at the Town Hall Theatre will be captioned.