Rough Stage

Maher is a Palestinian man with a dream. An electrical engineer by trade, in his heart he’s a dancer. He wants to put on the first modern dance production at the cultural center in Ramallah, but those around him view this art form with incomprehension and disapproval. To make matters worse, the dance tackles the subject of freedom, a particularly risky subject for this former political prisoner. Maher’s parents are bewildered by their son’s plans; all they want is for him to get married. His brother believes that the country simply isn’t ready for such abstract art and advises him to provide more explanation. Money is desperately short, and the authorities aren’t being very cooperative. Nonetheless, Maher perseveres, because “We have to change something during our lifetime. If not, what is the meaning of one’s existence?” follows this passionate artist rehearsing with four other dancers, attempting to get his family behind him and performing the dance itself. These scenes are interspersed with solo dances performed at spectacular outdoor locations: on a hill above the city and on the street in the middle of traffic.