If you visit England you will find that the theatre is an integral part of their culture and they take it very seriously, some even more seriously than they would take ‘Hollywood’! But it seems that appreciation for the theatre in the Arab world has deteriorated with actors like Durayd Laham being away from the stage for such a long time! However, Syrian actor Durayd has recently agreed to be part of an independent theatre production.
People like Durayd Laham use the theatre as a medium to explain and explore the problems of the people and the nations of the Arab world. He produces what I like to call ‘eternal’ theatre, as although it will not be around forever on film it will be in the minds of those who experienced it for all eternity. I personally enjoy theatre with substance and that has a moral and a meaning as opposed to the comedies we see too many of especially in Egypt. We need to star appreciating theatrical productions more!
By Karim
Comments
People still like Theatre. The problem is what kind of plays they will see. I agree with you Karim about the comedies : we have to explore other schouls of Theatre !! There is an urgent need to promot other theatrical expressions, dealing with our daily life and problems in an "avant garde" and modern artistic way.
Here in Algeria, Monologues (introduced by the great Abdelkader ALLOULA in 1972) are very famous as they are well prepared and well played by some talented artists (like the memorable Azzedine MEDJOUBI, Sonia, Dalila HALILOU,... ).
TVs also have to broadcast these kinds of theatre, just like in Europe where for exemple the French/German channel "Arte" is a very important support for the 4th art.