WHO WE ARE

Imad Wahba — co-Founder and Director

Imad is an English language educator and trainer with over 15 years of experience, specializing in children's theatre and the development of educational initiatives that integrate drama, pedagogy, and learning-loss recovery. He has participated in key educational conferences on drama in education in Gaza and led numerous interactive workshops throughout his career at the intersection of teaching and theatre. Imad is a firm believer in the powerful role of theatre in providing educational, psychological, and social support, he views working in English with children—though challenging—as extraordinarily rewarding and has seen how language acquisition drives personal growth and social communication skills. He has authored and directed numerous children's plays that have featured in national and international forums and earned multiple awards.

Hadeel Fathi Abu Hamda — co-Founder, Theatre Coordinator and Trainer

Hadeel uses theatre as a tool for healing and empowering children. She trains children of all ages and integrates English into their performance to develop their language skills and build their confidence. Hadeel’s work with children has a strong focus on providing them with emotional release after war . Hadeel is also a playwright and director in her own right as well as a children’s animator and basic education teacher.

Joel Samuels — co-Founder and International Coordinator

London-based theatre maker Joel worked alongside Imad and Hadeel to found Theatre for Gaza. Joel is a playwright, actor and producer for theatre in the UK and is passionate about providing children in Gaza with the opportunities and support to thrive even whilst enduring impossible conditions.

Joel is also the co-Artistic Director of Bet’n Lev Theatre.