Record

A few years ago, Beirut-based actress, author, and director Chrystèle Khodr uncovered an archive that recounted the story of Eva Ståhl, a Swedish nurse and survivor of the Tel al-Zaatar massacre in 1976. Together with Nadim Deaibes, she created Record, which recounts the horrifying details of the siege of Tel al-Zataar camp, performed in the shadow of unchanged news stories and an accumulation of archives and testimonies buried under misinformation and impunity. Alone on stage, Chrystèle Khodr reconstitutes the history and siege of the camp using the narratives of Eva Ståhl, camp doctor Youssef el-Iraqi, and journalist Anders Hasselbohm, their voices re-emerging from preserved magnetic tapes.

* At the time of writing this programme note, over 45,000 Palestinian children are suffering from injuries that require surgical procedures and care that far exceed the capacity of the healthcare system in Gaza. The Ghassan Abu Sittah Foundation, based in Lebanon, provides children who have survived the genocide, accompanied by their families, with life-saving surgery and psychological support before they return to Palestine to continue their recovery. To support the foundation, please visit: https://gascf.org/” — Chrystèle Khodr

Press Reviews: 

“By refusing the dramatization of archives, Khodr transforms the exercise in a true historian’s theater, where the past imposes itself in its crudeness and truth.” France Culture, Victor Inisan, Nov 24, 2025

«Without falling into the documentary aspect, with his accomplice Nadim Deaibes, she signs an impressive theatrical show outfit. Since when had such dignity never been seen on a set? […] While so many pieces only seek to move, this one builds a memory.” Sceneweb, Nadja Pobel, Oct 31, 2025

«A play between life and death. A tale of great power, as close as possible to reality. Raw and unaffected.” L’orient Le Jour, Muriel Maalouf, Nov 18, 2025

Credits: Direction: Chrystèle Khodr, Nadim Deaibes • Script and Performance: Chrystèle Khodr • Scenography and Light Design: Nadim Deaibes • Sound Design: Ziad Moukarzel • Stage Management and Sound Operation: Juan Aramburu • Production: Riksteatern – Sweden’s National Touring Theatre, Théâtre des 13 vents CDN Montpellier • Co-production: Théâtre National Wallonie-Bruxelles, Teatre Nacional de Catalunya, Barcelona •