Rawya El Chab's performance series 'Crossing the Water' delves into Lebanon's fraught history, from the 1982 Israeli invasion to the ongoing civil war. Her work, which includes puppetry and storytelling, serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict.

El Chab, who experienced the Lebanese Civil War as a child, uses her performances to counter distorted narratives and humanise those affected by war. She recalls how 'we could feel the presence of a force that was censoring our speech,' mirroring modern surveillance fears.

'Storytellers like to travel, and like to carry their stories,' El Chab notes, reflecting on her own journey from Beirut to New York. Her performances bring together diverse Arab narratives, fostering empathy and understanding among audiences.

The series includes a scene where she rows across the River Styx, symbolising rebirth and resilience. Puppets become tools for dissecting political rhetoric, bringing clarity to complex historical events.