Palmyra, the Executioners / Palmyre, les bourreaux

Palmyra, the Executioners is the powerful final chapter of a theatrical trilogy by Ramzi Choukair. Based on the harrowing testimonies of former prisoners of the Syrian regime, the play delves deep into the complex notions of forgiveness and justice. By blending the voices of survivors with the artistry of professional actors, it brings untold stories of resilience and survival to life on stage.

Drawing from real accounts of imprisonment under both Hafez and Bashar al-Assad, Choukair crafts a theatrical script that weaves personal narratives into a compelling performance. Through a carefully constructed dramaturgy, these stories become a collective voice that confronts the brutal realities of political detention and torture. SEMA member Riyad, a survivor of 21 years in Sednaya Prison and co-executive of the Association of Detainees and the Missing in Sednaya Prison (ADMSP), plays one of the main characters in the play.

The play offers a powerful exploration of memory and trauma, amplifying the voices of those who have endured the brutalities of political imprisonment. This production sheds light on the ongoing struggle for truth and recognition faced by survivors of detention and torture in Syria. By bringing these narratives to the stage, Palmyra, the Executioners serves as both a tribute to the resilience of survivors and a call for justice.

Watch the trailer here