The Diba Al-Hisn Festival for Dual Theater has been making waves in the cultural scene, captivating audiences with its unique offerings. The latest highlight of this esteemed festival was the poignant performance of “Dialogue,” presented on the fourth night, showcasing the festival’s commitment to theatrical excellence.
Performance of “Dialogue” Captivates Audiences
On Sunday evening, the ninth edition of the Diba Al-Hisn Festival for Dual Theater took place at the cultural center in Diba Al-Hisn, marked by the presence of Ahmad Bourhaima, Director of Theater at the Culture Department and Festival Manager. The fourth night featured the Syrian play “Dialogue” by the “Ra’y” troupe, written and directed by Mamoun Khateeb, with performances by Ibrahim Issa and Alaa Afash.
The narrative unfolds in a desolate theater, presenting an unexpected confrontation between a seasoned director and an actress who has faced a decline in her career after spending seven years abroad. This period has been marked by hardships and a haunting sense of loss, as her isolation was largely due to sacrifices made by the director himself. The play explores the transformation of an artist who once championed human issues into someone merely seeking survival, reduced to the role of an assistant director in television drama, abandoning his lofty ideals for financial gain.
Rich Expression and Intertextuality
The dialogue in “Dialogue” escalates in intensity, characterized by rich expressiveness, as it incorporates excerpts and monologues from the works of Shakespeare and Chekhov, including titles such as “Macbeth,” “Richard III,” “King Lear,” and “Uncle Vanya.” These references are more than mere quotations; they connect the characters’ present struggles to their shared artistic past. Scenes from the Syrian capital enrich the backdrop, evoking memories of their earlier days together in Damascus.
Critical Reception and Future Directions
During the critical seminar, hosted by Emirati artist Abdul Rahman Al-Mulla, participants praised the clarity of the performance and its transparent depiction of the challenges faced by theater professionals. Constructive feedback highlighted the need for greater dramatic balance between the characters and smoother transitions between scenes. In response, Mamoun Khateeb expressed gratitude to the Sharjah Culture Department for their continual support of Arabic theater, affirming his commitment to incorporating all feedback to enhance future iterations of the production.
The fourth night also saw Colonel Tariq Abdullah Al-Ahbash, Head of Diba Al-Hisn Comprehensive Police Centre, present a certificate of appreciation to the Syrian troupe, recognizing their significant contribution to the festival.
Workshops and Networking Opportunities
Additionally, as part of the festival’s training program, a workshop titled “Directing Theater: The Journey from Script to Performance” was held, led by Tunisian artist Ali Yahiaoui. This session provided participants with practical scenes aimed at analyzing texts and conceptualizing initial directing ideas, utilizing works by Chekhov and folk stories as frameworks.
Moreover, the Theater Administration organized a dinner at the Khorfakkan Waterfall area to celebrate the festival’s participants, where certificates of participation were awarded to attendees from Syria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and Jordan.