A UAE-based storytelling group breathes life into familiar tales
24.05.12
, As part of this year's Abu Dhabi Festival.
Deep in Sharjah's Heritage Area lies the National Theatre and a week before their first performance, Al Hakawati's actors, directors, designers and writers gathered to talk about their forthcoming show, their third for the annual festival.
Behind them a small stage made up the rehearsal space, with the traditional Arabian-themed set almost complete and puppet doll props ready to go.
Al Tanboori's story follows a rich trader from Baghdad and explores how certain decisions affect his life, bringing him bad luck and leading him on a destructive path.
The production is separated into three short stories that lead up to the main tale. The cast is made up of 11 actors from all over the globe, including Egypt, Russia, Morocco, Syria and Ukraine.
Ahmed Yousef, the Egyptian founder of Al Hakawati, wrote, directed and stars in the play as the main character, Al Tanboori.
"To be a successful Hakawati, one should be able to act as well, I believe. This is because every character demands a different voice. It is also one's own personal experiences in life that affect the storytelling," said Yousef, who launched the group 13 years ago.
Source: The National