The First Year
(of the Gaza Genocide in the Media)
22 September - 10 October 2026
These are the events as they were reported from October 7th 2023 to October 7th 2024.
The show you are about to watch has happened.
The show you are about to watch is happening.
The show you are about to watch is one you’ve been told could never happen again.
Award-winning international company BÉZNĂ Theatre presents a blistering multimedia investigation into the relationship between mainstream media, public opinion, and state crime. Created in collaboration with globally renowned researchers Shadow World Investigations and the International State Crime Initiative, and rooted in direct testimony from Palestinians in Gaza, The First Year (of the Gaza Genocide in the Media) is a wildly theatrical interrogation of the widening gulf between what we're told, what we witness, and what we choose to believe.
Featuring original music and an all-Palestinian ensemble, this visually striking and visceral world premiere confronts the nature of truth in reporting, dismantling the machinery used to construct and distort public perception and illuminating the human cost behind journalistic choices.
BÉZNĂ Theatre exposes a performance staged by national broadcasters on October 7th 2023. The performance started long before that date. The performance started long before this show.
Writer-Director - Sînziana Cojocărescu
Additional Text - Hannah Khalil, Ahmed Masoud & Anonymous
Assistant Director - Hassan Al Rawas
Video Designer - Dan Light
Composer - Kareem Samara
Set & Costume Designer - Jida Akil
Lighting Designer - Jodie Underwood
Movement Director - Mathew Wernham
Researcher - Niveen Haliqawi
Research Assistant - Donia Ashour
Consultants - Dr Mike Berry, Aseel Mousa, Dr Carrie Westwater
Psychological Support - Dr Nimisha Patel
Producer - Claire Gilbert for BÉZNĂ Theatre
Production Manager - Pete Rickards for eStage
PR - Diana Whitehead for Fourth Wall PR
But What Can I Do? Programme Partners - International State Crime Initiative & Shadow World Investigations
Developed with the International State Crime Initiative and Shadow World Investigations with research support from Jack Cinamon. Informed by interviews with Aseel, Ghazal, Hussein Naneem, Ibraheem, Khaled, Mady, Mohammed Mahoud, Noor Al Sakka, Noor Al Swairky, Razan Younes, Salem Rayyes, and those who wish to remain anonymous. With thanks to Joe Haddad, Noelle Adames and the Artist Wellbeing Company, Harry Tennison, and the Bertha Foundation.
Supported by New Diorama Theatre, Arts Council England, Public Engagement Fund of Queen Mary University, Royal Victoria Hall Foundation, and Cockayne Grants for the Arts, a Donor Advised Fund, held at The Prism Charitable Trust.
But What Can I Do? Wraparound Programme
Inspired by the questions at the heart of The First Year (of the Gaza Genocide in the Media), But What Can I Do? is a hands-on programme bringing together artists, researchers, investigators, and community members to explore together state crime, media narratives, corruption, and collective action.
Shadow World Investigations Workshops
Led by Shadow World Investigations (SWI), these online workshops introduce tools and techniques used to investigate and track the global arms trade. Participants will explore how information is tracked and verified, learn about common tools and databases used in investigations, and discover how researchers build evidence using digital tools and networks.
Monday 28th September, 6-8pm, online
Monday 5th October, 6-8pm, online
International State Crime Initiative Workshops
Led by the International State Crime Initiative (ISCI), these workshops explore how state crime is defined, understood, and reported. Together, we'll examine the role of the media in shaping public narratives and consider best practice for engaging with the events of October 2023 - October 2024.
Friday 2nd October, 4-6pm (Artist Workshop)
Friday 9th October, 4-6pm (Community Workshop)
Further details, booking information, and additional wraparound events to be announced soon.