This fall marks the European Premiere of Gathering, and YSDT’s largest international tour to date. In October-November 2025 Gathering made 12 appearances in eight cities, featuring a cast of thirteen artists from Japan, Lebanon, Morocco, New Caledonia, Palestine, the United States, Taiwan, and Turkey. Every show sold out, and performances were covered in local print, online, TV, and radio press.

“A captivating performance about the Palestinian condition, imagining a ritual that blends life and death.” – Igor Hansen-Løve, Scène Web

We are incredibly proud of how this production combats the erasure of Palestinians by uplifting their stories – those of both pain and joy. Our company and community continue to stand strong in the face of rising repression and targeting of Palestinian, migrant, and artistic voices worldwide. This year saw dramatic cuts in funding for the arts, most prominently the current administration's efforts to dismantle the National Endowment for the Arts, which will continue to have lasting impacts on the quality and diversity of arts programming in the United States and beyond. Inflation and rising living costs pose further challenges for artists and arts organizations.

“A true unifier, Samar Haddad King breaks the fourth wall and invites the audience into a collective celebration of life and death. A cathartic theatre experience.” – Muriel Maalouf, L’orient le jour

But we know that artists are targeted precisely because we are powerful, especially when we act in community. Our French tour of Gathering sold out in every city, showing that audiences are hungry for work that celebrates resilience and joy. International touring is expensive, however, and the combination of exchange rates and funding cuts means our budget still has a $15,000 shortfall on this year's season.

• Gathering performances reached over 4,000 audience members with 12 sold out shows in October and November
• Gathering engagement programs – free and low cost classes, workshops, artist talks, and shared meals – reached over 300 participants.
• This international project is co-produced by Au Contraire Productions and facilitated in part by a collaboration between eight of France’s national theaters, and funding support from Ettijahat, MidAtlantic Arts Foundation, and Villa Albertine and Albertine Foundation.

Can you help us finish our 2025 tour and head into 2026 on strong financial footing?

Every little bit helps - no gift is too small! Or, please consider becoming a regular monthly donor to YSDT. Spreading your donation over the year is one of the most impactful ways to support the organizations and causes you care about. In the face of growing uncertainty, regular giving helps us forecast cashflow and plan for the future.