​​Graduation project for stud​ent :mohammed btoosh

​​22/20/2023

The Play's Central Conflict and Characters

The play is structured into six "rituals" that follow van Gogh’s journey and his struggle against a hostile society. The central idea is a "cry of the soul" from an artist who feels rejected by society. The characters symbolize van Gogh's internal and external conflicts:

• Van Gogh: Represents the Ego, the rational part of the self. He struggles with his identity and his art in a world that doesn't understand him.

• "He" (the other self): This character is Van Gogh's other self, representing the Id, which is driven by instinct and emotion.

• The Bedouin Woman: A devil-like figure who symbolizes the cruel society that wants to pull van Gogh into a world of "non-place and non-time."

• The Angel Woman: She attempts to guide and protect van Gogh's spirit.

• The Inmates: They represent the critics and society that mock and belittle van Gogh's work.

The research project also connects the play's themes to Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory and notes similarities to Goethe's play Faus​t.

The project concludes that van Gogh's life and struggles provide a powerful foundation for a theatrical work. The Expressionist style, with it​s focus on distorted visuals and subjective experience, is the most effective way to depict the torment that Van Gogh and other artists face.

This project participated in the International Liberal Festival for Youth and Won The Glofen Prize for Best Performance year 2024, This project was supervised by Dr. Majd qasas.​

 "Tick, Tick, Boom!"​
written by:  Steven Levenson

​​graduation project for stud​ent :NIZAR OWAIS

​​22/20/2023

This research is a comprehensive study of the musical "Tick, Tick, Boom!" by the American playwright and composer Jonathan Larson. The work was selected as a graduation project by student Nizar Sulieman Owais. The research aims to explore the play's profound existential and humanistic themes, including the fear of time, death, and love, as well as the conflict between pursuing one's passion and the desire for stability. It also examines the personal, social, and financial struggles faced by the main character. The study concludes that "Tick, Tick, Boom!" serves as an inspiration for artists worldwide to pursue their dreams, and that Larson's unwavering dedication to his own aspirations allowed him to transform the landscape of modern American musicals on Broadway.

This project participated in the International Liberal Festival for Youth and Won The Glofen best  actor  Prize,  year 2024, This project was supervised by Dr. Majd qasas.​

THE BLIND

   written by:Maurice Maeterlinck

Diana Bakoos graduation project

Project Justification

This play tackles fundamental questions about human existence and freedom. The researcher argues that the characters' physical blindness symbolizes a deeper spiritual blindness, where they are trapped in a reality shaped by fear and lack of inner vision. The project aims to show how the characters' reliance on external guidance and their fear of the unknown leave them unable to find their own way. Maeterlinck's "theater of silence" is central to this idea, as the author believes that true insight comes from quieting the mind to listen to one's intuition.

The play's plot is simple: twelve blind characters wait for a priest who is secretly dead. The author points out that the characters lack names and are instead defined by their roles or physical state, emphasizing their symbolic nature. The play is open to various interpretations, including political, religious, and existential readings. Regardless of the interpretation, the central idea remains that the characters are lost, waiting for a savior who will never arrive.

Theatrical Vision

Diana Baqo’s directorial vision for the play is heavily influenced by Antonin Artaud's "Theater of Cruelty." The goal is to create a shocking and intense experience for the audience, relying on physical, non-verbal performance, sound, and light. ..​

This project participated in the International Liberal Festival for Youth and Won The Glofen Prize for Best Performance year 2025, This project was supervised by Dr. Majd qasas.​​

"Me, the Torment, and Your Love"​

 written by: Iraqi playwright Awatif Naeem.

Rakan Ali Al-Shawabkeh's graduation project 

Project Justification

The researcher chose this play because it tackles contemporary issues prevalent in Arab societies, such as psychological distress, poverty, and the relationship with one's homeland. The play's diverse and rich characters, focus on internal conflicts, and its realistic dialogue and dramatic structure were all key factors in his selection.

The play's story is inspired by a song by Mohammed Abdel Wahab and features two main characters who meet on a bridge overlooking a river. The first is 

Al-Anee'q (The Elegant), a wealthy man who has lost his fortune and is contemplating suicide. The second is

Al-Sou'louk (The Rogue), a homeless man who, despite his poverty, is a passionate lover of his homeland. The play's core idea is that true wealth is not financial but is found in one's love for their country and sense of self. The conflict is primarily internal, focusing on Al-Anee'q's struggle with his despair and fear. The play is classified as a realistic work with elements of satirical comedy.​

This project participated in the International Liberal Festival for Youth and Won The Silver Prize for Best Performance year 2025, This project was supervised by Dr. Majd qasas.​​​

Women’s Strategies to Cope with Harassment in Za’atari Camp and the Role of Humanitarian Reporting Mechanisms

​​Published Research Article: Sarah Alhalawani & Dr. Amani Al-Serhan

link: Click Here​

Abstract:

The refugee experience is frequently marred by pervasive gender-based violence, particularly harassment, in refugee camps. Women, disproportionately affected due to entrenched gender biases, often suffer in silence due to societal stigma. In Za’atari Camp in Jordan, women face various forms of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), notably verbal harassment, exacerbating their plight amidst a culture of victim-blaming. While humanitarian efforts have made strides, challenges persist in reporting and adopting sensitive response mechanisms. This study aims to evaluate gaps in protection plans, response procedures, and reporting at Za’atari Camp, analysing coping mechanisms and resistance behaviours of women facing harassment. With 409 survey responses, findings reveal enduring verbal harassment and reporting barriers fuelled by fear of repercussions and survivor blaming. Addressing these challenges is crucial for the effective implementation of humanitarian policies and standard operating procedures, necessitating collective action to create a supportive environment for all women in the camp.

Reshaping Gender Norms: Exploring the Ripple Effect of Refugeeism on Women's Empowerment

​​Published Research Article: Sarah Alhalawani & Dr. Amani Al-Serhan

Link: Click Here

Abstract

Motivation: Displacement profoundly disrupts physical environments, social structures, and personal identities, thereby impacting individuals’ well-being. Recent studies suggest that displacement also reshapes gender dynamics, with the potential to transform traditional roles and relationships.

Purpose: This study investigates the transformative impact of displacement on gender roles within the Za’atari camp in Jordan, focusing on how forced displacement and humanitarian aid intersect to alter gender relations and enhance women’s autonomy.

Approach and Methods: The research is based on qualitative interviews with 15 women residing in the Za’atari camp. By exploring their lived experiences, the study seeks to understand how displacement can function as a catalyst for empowerment and self-sufficiency, despite the significant challenges it entails.

Findings: The results indicate that displacement fosters women’s independence, self-awareness, and decision-making capacity, encouraging their active participation in society. Humanitarian interventions—particularly educational and vocational programmes—contribute to women’s empowerment by enhancing self-confidence, communication skills, and legal awareness, while also facilitating access to the labour market and challenging entrenched gender norms.

Policy Implications: Despite these positive developments, women often face heightened responsibilities as primary breadwinners, which may increase vulnerabilities and undermine their influence within personal domains. Furthermore, traditional norms continue to obstruct full gender equality. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive, long-term humanitarian strategies to sustain and expand positive changes in gender dynamics within displacement settings.​