Who is Amer Hlehel?
A Palestinian Writer and Actor living in Haifa with my partner Saheer and our Daughter Noora.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Nothing and everything, I can’t imagine myself doing something not related to theatre and drama, so I am open to doing anything else if I can’t do it.
Who inspires you and why?
My family, my friends, my colleagues, my neighbours, the books I read, the things I watch, Good Art, Good people – but not Donald Trump.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I would buy a one-way ticket to the moon for all the politicians who badly rule and control our world.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Anywhere I can complete reading the book I have picked up for the holiday.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
The city market and neighbourhood cafes, where they can meet the real people of the place, because places are all about the people who fill them.
What are you currently reading?
A Rift in Time by Raja Shehadeh – a book about the founder of the Palestinian newspaper Al- Karmel in the 1930’s in Haifa, during the British mandate. By the way, the book is in English and available on Amazon. Highly recommended!
What are you currently listening to?
Shifting between Om Kulthoum, Gregory Porter, Warda Al-Jzaeria and Nina Simone.
Happiness is?
The smile of my daughter Noora every morning.
Amer is currently presenting TAHA as part of the Big World, Up Close program at Arts Centre Melbourne until 14 July 2018. For more information, visit: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au for details.
Image: Amer Hlehel – photo by Saheer Obaid