This year the Edinburgh Fringe has seen a new production of My Name is Rachel Corrie directed by Susan Worsfold and starring Sascha Shinder.
The play tells the true story of Rachel Corrie, a twenty three year old American activist who died in 2003 in Rafah. Her death was a result of standing between an Israeli bulldozer and a Palestinian home at threat of being destroyed.
The show uses Rachel’s own words, and was commissioned by her parents after her death. It was first performed in 2005, but the Jewish creative team behind this staging felt it was important to share in 2025.
Although Corrie was not Jewish, Shinder said that when she discovered the play she deeply related to Corrie’s writing.
“Her journey – from privileged idealism to confronting brutal reality – mirrored my own in many ways. Her humanity, her refusal to see the world in binaries, deeply moved me.”
The staging is simple – the actress barefoot, on a stool, with a spotlight. Shinder’s storytelling is emotive. She brings a lyrical quality to her lines, it is clear that this production intends to move you. As the spotlight fades, you know Rachel’s time is over.
Unfortunately, thirty minutes into the show the venue above started to blast music. It had a negative impact, with the roof shaking and singing disrupting the performance. People started to walk out, as it very much took away from the serious aspect of the show.
A criticism of the play is that it is intended to tell the story of Corrie first, and can give a “white saviour” outlook. However, this has not been everyone’s impression. Palestinian playwright Ahmed Masoud said that the show helps others to understand the context that Palestinian people currently live in, and brings what is happening to life.
While the play is not perfect, they have revived the show when it is more relevant than ever.
My Name is Rachel Corrie is showing at Zoo Southside – Studio at 19:00 until the 24th of August, and after the run will be reimagined and developed.
Featured Image Credit : Storytelling PR
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Journalism and English student.
