READING AS A COLLECTIVE ACTION

Full title: READING AS A COLLECTIVE ACTION: DESIGNING PERFORMATIVE READING ENCOUNTERS TO REFLECT ON THE CONCEPTS OF HOME AND BELONGING.

This research aims to turn the individual reading experience into a collective one by designing performative encounters through literature and focusing on the main topics of home and belonging.

The research argument revolves around the many ways we can read a text collectively by creating a space of social engagement and the possibilities for people to react to these texts through discussions, writing and drawing. There is a use of political texts to speak without fear and give the reader the ability to connect to societal and political rights in their own cities. The intention is to specifically discuss publicly the different perspectives on the subject matter by highlighting the Palestinians’ suffering and what has happened over the past 74 years in Palestine, as a result of the 1948 Catastrophe, which translates into “Al-Nakba” in Arabic. A set of famous Palestinian cities, Haifa and Akka, that were lost due to forceful eviction of their inhabitants in 1948 show empowering stories of a life of struggles and longing for return. Using texts as tactics is a bridge to discuss politics in the city and have the right to change ourselves and through that change, also have an effect on reshaping the cities we live in.

SPECIAL THANKS

To my parents, Drs. Jamil Masad & Sawsan Al-Nasser for always being there for me. To my close family and friends, specifically my sister Ruba Masad, cousin Daneiah Al-Nasser, brother Mohammad Masad & friend Haya Dodokh for all of your endless support and help along the way. To Danae Theodoridou, my coach, for her patience and for believing in me. To the PPS team: Heleen, David, Ulla, Xenia and Liesbeth for all the knowledge and support. To the PPS activists and friends: Chiara, Flo, Loannis, Jitka, Kami, Laura, Val and Yannis. For giving me the best memories ever. For everyone who made the sessions work during the year: The amazing participants, Shoman Foundation, Jadal Culture, FHK Mediatheek, Jacaranda Art Gallery, Ratel library, Ferran Bach, Mohammad Masad, who designed the sessions posters, Daniel Arthuus, artist and researcher, Anne Decker, Jeroen Polle, Sven Lijssen, Reeta production who did the voice over and recordings, I thank you very much and appreciate all of your efforts that helped me along the way to complete this research project.