Salam Shalom, A Tale of Passion" Opens February 12th at The Whitmore Lindley Theater

Written by performing artist Saleem, this GLAAD award winning play addresses the obstacles two gay men confront when they fall in love, one an Arab Palestinian and the other a Jewish Israeli

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) January 22, 2005 -- The relationship between Palestinians and Jews over the last half-century has been fueled by animosity, rage, hatred and violence. Salam Shalom, A Tale of Passion" is a love story between two men who have been taught by their society that they should in fact hate each other. It also deals with a universal and timeless message as well, that no matter what race or religion we are or who we choose to love, in order for us to survive as a race, we must comprehend and accept each others differences.

The play has been dramatically revised and fleshed out with new scenes. The story line begins with Nabeel, a closeted gay Palestinian arriving in Los Angeles from Jerusalem to teach Arabic at UCLA. Los Angeles proves to be somewhat of a cultural shock but nothing compared to what awaits Nabeel when he meets his new housemate, Yaron, a gay Israeli Jew.

Initially there is a mutual dislike for each other, based on the hatred taught to them by decades of violence between Arabs and Israelis. However with the guidance of a mutual friend, Liza and a series of both comedic and dramatic events, Nabeel and Yaron soon discover they developed a genuine attraction and affection that transcends all social, political and sexual barriers and become lovers.

However their optimism is tested when the two must return to their own countries and more importantly, their families. As Nabeel deals with his conservative father in Jerusalem, Yaron must confront his brother David, who is an officer in the Israeli defense army. Salam Shalom" is not only a tale of passion that demonstrates the tenacity of true love and explores the complex parallels between nationalism and homosexuality in the Middle East but also the basic need for acceptance which we all desire.

Salam Shalom, A Tale of Passion" will preview February 4th, 5th, 6th and 11th and opening night, February 12th at 8PM. Performances will be 8PM, Friday & Saturday, and 7pm Sunday until March 27th. The Whitmore Lindley Theater is located at 11006 Magnolia Blvd (Corner of Magnolia & Vineland) in North Hollywood.

For reservations, please call 323 - 933 - 9214 Ext.3 or by email, xxsaleem@yahoo.com.

For additional information, please visit www.salamshalom.freehosting.net.

For all publicity matters, please contact Darren Jordan with the jordan agency at 323.851.5572 or darren@thejordanagency.com.

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