During preliminary research for the theatre production Persians. Triumph of Empathy, director and theatre maker Chokri Ben Chikha travelled to the occupied and colonised Palestinian territories and Israel in January 2024. Together with director Jan Beddegenoodts, he made the documentary Looking for Empathy.

In a context of occupation, war, genocide and manipulated truths, the documentary refuses to take a comfortable distance. Can you empathise with your enemy in times like these? And who is arrogant, who is hubristic? Netanyahu? Hamas? Or the filmmakers themselves, who do not shy away from taking a stand?

Are today's migration pacts a continuation of colonial deals?
In his latest production, director Chokri Ben Chikha establishes a Tunisian dignity commission in exile. Artists, scientists and citizens claim their truth about migration and human rights.  President Trump also has an opinion on the matter. He describes current European migration policy as an existential threat that will lead to the “erasure of European civilisation”.

Inspired by the South African Truth Commission, the stage becomes a place where witnesses and commission members share their stories, doubts and truths through word, visuals and vocals.

What role can the oldest tragedy in the theatre canon, Persians by Aeschylus, still play within the context of the current genocidal war between Israel and Palestine.

"The most radical attempt to make the audience aware of the genocide in Gaza and the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian issue was undoubtedly ‘Persians. Triumph of Empathy’ by Chokri Ben Chikha, Action Zoo Humain & NTGent.” — Chief editor Karl van den Broeck, apache.be

With the first ever Truth Commission in the Netherlands, Chokri Ben Chikha & Action Zoo Humain call attention to the underexposed, colonial legacy of the human zoo in the Netherlands. Based on South Africa's "Truth and Reconciliation Commission" witnesses speak out in word, visuals and movement.