Ramallah Old Town 30th April 2024

Shehadeh Shalalda is the only luthier in the city of Ramallah, in the West Bank. While restoring a guitar damaged during the bombings in Gaza, he showcases the tools of his trade, some of which he crafted himself due to their unavailability in the region. After arriving in Italy in 2008, Shehadeh participated in the Triennale degli Strumenti ad Arco in Cremona, studying under Italian masters. To create his violins, which are now held by many soloists worldwide, he sources the finest wood from Italy. Each return to Ramallah is fraught with challenges, as he must navigate multiple checkpoints through Jordan, Israel, and Palestine. However, his work extends beyond what he skillfully produces in his small workshop; Shehadeh also brings music to refugee camps. In the video, the sound of his instrument resonates through the streets of Ramallah, performed by violinist Maya Atari. The film, produced during Deller’s residency at Casa Stradivari for Cremona Art Week 2024, creates a powerful interplay of time, borders, and cultures, offering a poetic glimpse into the dramatic daily life during wartime.