In a time when discussions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict often dissolve into heated arguments or uncomfortable silence, the Boulder Jewish Community Center will host an extraordinary conversational experience designed to change how we approach one of the world's most complex issues.
"The Israeli-Palestinian Conversation" arrives at the JCC on October 20 from 7-9 PM, offering audiences something rarely seen: a space where conflicting narratives can coexist, be heard, and be thoughtfully examined without the expectation of reaching easy consensus.
Created by Israeli-born producer Ami Dayan, who moved to Colorado 26 years ago, the production blends immersive theater with live community dialogue. The format deliberately blurs the lines between performance and reality, drawing audiences into what feels like an authentic high-stakes debate over issues that affect millions of lives.
"We certainly cannot fix anything. We can talk about it, and that's what we're trying to do," says Dayan, whose personal experience with the conflict spans decades and continents.
The production emerged from Dayan's observation that Americans struggled to have civil conversations about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly after the events of October 7, 2023. Rather than shy away from the discomfort, he chose to lean into it, using his theater background to create a space where difficult conversations could unfold.
The performance doesn't avoid the thorniest aspects of the conflict. Instead, it gives voice to conflicting narratives around October 7th, allegations of war crimes and genocide, questions of self-defense, debates over Two-State versus One-State solutions, and the rise of both antisemitism and Islamophobia. It examines American complicity and traces the historical legacy from 1948, 1967, 1973, and beyond. At its heart, the production poses a crucial question: Do we want to be "right" in endless arguments, or effective in saving lives and forging solutions?
The production has garnered attention from Colorado's political and cultural leaders. Governor Jared Polis noted, "Art can be a great way to have difficult conversations… We had good conversations around our dinner table following the play. I hope it inspires others to pursue civil conversations." Critics have praised its bold approach. John Moore of The Denver Gazette called it "A mind-blowing, meta theatergoing experience... No one is spared — or silenced. Timely, triggering, and enlightening." State Representative Iman Jodeh described it as "A rare and brave play that dares to explore the nuanced, painful, and urgent realities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."
The cast features a diverse ensemble including Mark Collins, Oliver Cruz, Ami Dayan, Julia Halaby, Betty Hart, Mel Schaffer, Rabia Suleiman, Maruta Kalnins, Mare Trevathan, and Sonny Zinn, under the direction of Bud Coleman. This diversity isn't incidental—it reflects the production's commitment to authentically representing multiple perspectives.
The project aims to address topics considered complex, provocative, and controversial, with the ultimate goal of finding common ground despite strong conflicting views. The production is rooted in a simple but vital belief: we cannot fix what we cannot talk about. While the creators don't claim they can solve the decades-old conflict, they believe that meaningful dialogue is an essential first step.
Audience members should prepare for an intense and engaging experience that will likely challenge their preconceptions, regardless of their starting point on the issue. The production promises a "heated yet productive conversation" followed by a moderated post-show discussion about having difficult conversations. This isn't entertainment designed for comfort—it's art with a purpose, created for a community grappling with how to discuss one of the most polarizing issues of our time.
The Israeli-Palestinian Conversation will take place on Sunday, October 20, from 7-9 PM at the Boulder JCC. In an era when many avoid complex topics altogether, this production offers something increasingly rare: a space where we can sit with discomfort, listen across difference, and find wisdom in our willingness to engage with complexity rather than retreat into certainty. You can register for the Israeli-Palestinian Conversation on the Boulder JCC website.