The Israeli-Palestinian Conversation had its sold-out world premier last May in Boulder Colorado. Everyone involved was struck by the unique power of the play to produce difficult, sometimes painful, authentic, respectful, constructive conversations.
We committed to keep at it and promote the critically needed conversations as far and wide as possible. We have since remounted the production in Denver in July (returning in September), with further engagements locally and beyond in the works. Stay tuned.
Our MISSION is to not look away. To engage in difficult dialogues necessary to restore humanity.
Cast & Crew
Bud Coleman (director) is CU professor emeritus, the inaugural holder of the Roe Green Professor of Theatre and former Associate Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. A former dancer with Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, Fort Worth Ballet, and Ballet Austin, Bud has directed and choreographed many plays and musicals. In 2008, he directed and choreographed the musical Company in Vladivostok, Russia, was selected to be a Fulbright Lecturer in Japan, and directed the Thai premiere of Fiddler on the Roof in Bangkok. Publications include Women in American Musical Theatre and Backstage Pass: A Survey of American Musical Theatre.
Oliver Cruz (Sam) is a newbie to the world of acting and is excited to make his debut! He is joining the Israel-Palestine Conversation show because he is passionate about the subject, and wants to be involved in any way he can. He has had a few romps in the theater world doing improv classes, and playing a 5 second long part when he was 10 but he doesn’t count that. Off the stage, Oliver is a multimedia sculpture artist and a musician who plays drums in a band called Platinum Sweat.
Ami Dayan (Ariel, lead writer) pursues socially conscious theatre that fosters dialogue across divides. He is the creator of Standing for humanity in Gaza and Israel (2024 True West Award), and founder of The Interview Game, a platform for deepening connections through reciprocal interviews. Colorado credits include Masked, Reason, A Tale of a Tiger, and Conviction. He is grateful to Mr. Sergio Atallah, Bud Coleman and the cast for their humanity and solidarity.
Julia Halaby (Reema) received her Bachelor of Arts from Western State College in Gunnison and a Masters of Arts in Education from University of Colorado, Boulder. She has been a public school teacher, both in Social Studies and Special Education for 34 years. She has held teaching positions throughout the state of Colorado and has developed sensitivity to native and indigenous concerns, socio-economic inequity and diversity. Born to a Palestinian father and an American mother; it was in learning to navigate the Israel-Palestine conflict that Julia discovered Compassionate Listening. It is her belief that artistry in communicating with self and others is the key to happiness and fulfillment.
Lexi Holtzer (Stage Manager) has been unseen in the Colorado theatre scene for ten years now...and that's how she likes it. She has previously stage managed at Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, the Arvada Center, Denver Center for Performing Arts (as an apprentice), Opera Colorado, Cherry Creek Theatre, Breckenridge Backstage, Town Hall Arts Center, and more. When she’s not stage managing, you can find her coloring, thinking of ways to combat encroaching authoritarianism, or walking her dog. “De-escalate all conflict that isn’t with the enemy.” — Margaret Killjoy
Mel Schaffer (Sam) (they/them) is a nonbinary creator focused on community building among marginalized folks. Armed with a BA in English and Anthropology, and an MFA in Acting from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, Mel truly believes in the transformative power of storytelling, and will do everything in their power to change the world with words.
Michelle Schovaers Wagley (Stage Manager) is excited to be working on this extremely timely piece. She has a BA in Theatre Studies - Stage Management, and an MSA in Accounting. Some SM credits include: COLORADO – Creature Feature, First Lady of Television (Colorado New Play Festival); 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Miss Holmes, Spring Awakening (Phamaly); Newsies (Performance Now), The Piano Teacher, Blackademics (Vintage); JAPAN – Disturbance, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Hand to God, The Who’s Tommy, TEXAS – God of Carnage, A Real Boy, Spake, Going Dark, Cabaret, W;t, CALIFORNIA - Palm Springs Follies, UTAH - Peter Pan, The Foreigner, Hamlet, Stadium of Fire.
Rabia Suleiman (Reema) is a first-generation American from Texas with a deep connection to Middle Eastern stories. Her past roles include Envy in Everyman (which won regionals), Kayleen in Gruesome Playground Injuries, and monologues from The Vagina Monologues (Hair and Because He Liked to Look at It). She speaks fluent Arabic and has worked with organizations like UNICEF and Amaanah Refugee Services. Rabia holds degrees in Biology, Public Administration, and Political Science. Her performance style is shaped by her academic work in political psychology and the social dynamics of identity.
Mare Trevathan (Amanda/Barbara) (she/her) is an audiobook narrator, actor, director, teacher, traveler, aspiring gardener, animal enthusiast, coffee drinker and compulsive upcycler. In recent years, she performed in “Blind Date”-- pairing one audience member to one actor as they wandered the Denver Museum of Contemporary Art; collaborated with architects in Ahmedabad, India creating “dance about architecture'', directed castmate Mel Schaffer in the role of Sherlock Holmes at Phamaly Theatre Company (they were great!), and worked with director Chloe Sarbib at Sundance. Mare teaches Voice Over at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. maretrevathan.com
Sonny Zinn (Barbara) When in college (I graduated in 1980!) I spent more time in theatres than anywhere else. Now I would say the experience prepared me well for the decades I spent in public schools, first as a teacher, then as an administrator. I am profoundly grateful to Ami Dayan for bringing me back to my theatre roots, particularly as a Conversationalist. My anxiety about being the elder lady in the production evaporated as soon as I first entered the rehearsal space; I have deep appreciation for the commitment and courage of all the Conversationalists. Now, let’s get to work!