Farah Saleh - Balfour Reparations

A performance lecture in the Glasgow School of Art's Reid Principal Seminar Room

Balfour Reparations (2026-2046) is a compelling performance lecture by Palestinian dancer, choreographer and scholar, Farah Saleh, that invites you to explore and confront the United Kingdom’s colonial legacy in Palestine.

Through a blend of history, fiction, and fantasy, Saleh examines the role of Arthur James Balfour-former UK Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, and influential academic figure-in shaping policies that denied Palestinian political rights. Using elements of Critical Fabulation and Afrofuturism, this thought-provoking work brings archival materials-videos, photos, and documents-into dialogue with imagined futures.

Join us in 2046, as a member of the Reparations Committee, reflecting on a fictive apology letter issued by the UK government in 2025, promising reparations to the Palestinian people. What does accountability look like? What might justice mean?

Step into the future and be part of the conversation.

The performance will be followed by a post show conversation hosted by nxa Parinussa.

Concept and choreography: Farah Saleh, in collaboration with:
Film & Sound Design: Lucas Chih-Peng
Research: Nicola Perugini
Dancers: Nadia Khattab and Jamal Bajali
Rehearsal support: Luke Pell
Graphic design: Michaela Pointon
Music: Kim Moore, Wasef Jawhariya
Creative Producer: Helen McIntosh
Facilitators: nxa Parinussa & Luke Pell
Lighting Design: Emma Jones
PR Associate: Joy Parkinson
Marketing Associate: Serden Salih
Production Manager: Fi Fraser

Supported by IASH, Culture&, Made in Scotland, Scottish Government, Creative Scotland

A Tramway Beyond Walls presentation

Image of Farah Saleh by Lucas Chih-Peng Kao