The Revival of Moroccan Theater: Bridging Communities through ‘Haneen’ Play and the Artistic Renaissance

Soukaina Sghir
Soukaina Sghir
5 Min Read
Theater

The attendees’ hearts warmed as the Moroccan theater experienced an unprecedented artistic revival this year. Pilgrims filled the exhibition halls and the walls of the theaters echoed with the giggles of children and adults. The most famous actors in the Moroccan scene sent messages and topics that will remain in the minds of viewers through their plays.

The United Playwrights Troupe, under the banner of the United Humorists Association for Culture and Arts in Fez, presented “Haneen” with the participation of a list of Moroccan screen stars, pioneers, and youth, and the Moroccan audience responded positively and with great praise.

In this context, the artist Mohamed El Alami, one of the heroes of the play, told “Weafrica24”, speaking about the story and theme of “Haneen”, saying: “Haneen’s play talks about good neighborliness between Moroccan Jews and Muslims… and exactly between two families, one of which is Jewish and the other Moroccan lives in the Mellah district of Fez.

An artist with high historical and cultural roots

the Moroccan artist Al Alami, distinguished for his exceptional talent and artistic trajectory, has captivated audiences with a multitude of performances that delve deep into his own heart and the profound historical and dramatic narratives he portrays. Reflecting on his significant role in the play “Haneen,” Al Alami eloquently reveals, “I embody the character of Ali Ibn Fatima, hailing from a Muslim family, tragically deprived of his mother’s presence in his formative years. Subsequently, the Jewish family, led by Simon and his wife Suzanne, nurtured Ali, guiding him into adulthood. Under Simon’s mentorship, he mastered the art of goldsmithing and the intricacies of trade. A profound bond developed, making Ali an integral part of their family.

Muhammad Al-Alami added his talk about the story of the play, saying: “The events in the play develop to discover that Ali is in love with Sarah, who is the daughter of Simon and Suzanne from the Jewish family… Sarah had traveled to France to complete her studies, and after her return to Morocco, Ali wanted to marry her, but she She will refuse because society will not be merciful to them because he is a Muslim who will marry a Jew.

“Haneen” delivers a poignant message, transcending the confines of color, to forge a profound unity among humanity

As everyone knows, each THEATER has a story and a special message, which he seeks to send and transmit to the present audience. Al-Alami confirmed in his statement to “Weafrica24” that the message of “Haneen” lies in the victory of the idea of a single person, regardless of his religion, race, or color.

“Khaled Azweshi guided and framed me when I searched for and tried to find a specific style for the character of Ali. Hamid Talbi wrote the theatrical text with care, and the dialogues of the play dive into the era of the eighties and bring back memories of the Al-Mallah neighborhood, inhabited by Jews and Muslims in the city of Fez”. added el Alami.

When asked about the state of theater in Morocco, Mohamed El Alami expressed, “The theater scene in Morocco is in a favorable condition, owing to the tireless efforts and dedication of theater professionals, as well as the effective management of the sector by Minister Mahdi Ben Said, whom I regard as one of the exceptional ministers adept at overseeing the cultural realm as a whole, with a specific emphasis on theater. However, it is important to acknowledge that certain challenges impede the progress of theater workers in Morocco, be it bureaucratic obstacles or other hindrances within the industry”.

Soukaina Sghir

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