test Beautiful Resistance: Arts for positive change|Education & Theatre

Beautiful Resistance: Arts for positive change

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Published: Nov 25, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/edth.43267
Keywords:
Beautiful Resistance, theatre, arts, culture, education, refugee, children, youth, peacebuilding, Palestine
Abdelfattah Abusrour
Alrowwad Cultural and Arts Society
Abstract

This article outlines the author’s work and philosophy over the past 40 years, as well as his concept of Beautiful Resistance. Through the performing and visual arts, culture and education, he promotes peaceful and creative self-expression as a means of achieving inner peace. His hope is that people will become peace builders within their communities and beyond. While the article primarily focuses on his work with Palestinian refugees in Palestine, it also provides insights into resisting the ugliness of occupation, oppression and injustice. It provides a platform for individuals living under such injustices and trauma to become positive agents of change and inspire others by serving as role models for present and future generations.

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Author Biography
Abdelfattah Abusrour, Alrowwad Cultural and Arts Society

Abdelfattah Abusrour is the founder and general director of the Alrowwad Cultural and Arts Society, which was established in the Aida refugee camp in Bethlehem in 1998. His concept of Beautiful Resistance, which uses performing and visual arts as a creative and peaceful form of expression in situations of oppression and trauma, aims to save lives, inspire hope and encourage individuals to become peacebuilders in their communities and beyond. Abusrour is an author, actor and theatre director, trainer, activist and human rights defender and researcher who obtained a PhD in Biological and Medical Engineering in France in 1993. He is also an Ashoka social entrepreneur and a Synergos social innovator. He has contributed to educational research and taught drama and storytelling in education. He has conducted conferences and practical workshops in different countries, using Beautiful Resistance to empower people by encouraging them to build peace within themselves and become active agents of change.

References
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