Dra. Maria – Christie Bakhos – Lebanon

e-mail: maria.christie.bakhos@gmail.com

Thank you, Carthage*, for hosting this extraordinary event. It goes beyond being a mere artistic or cultural symposium; it serves as a cornerstone for the renaissance of Arab theatre and theatrical thought. This theater finds its essence in the originality of literary text and the innovation of the renewed, supreme dramatic act, expressing literature from the depths of our environment and civilization.

The meeting between Dr. Waciny Al-Araj and Professor Talal Darjani to discuss the dramatization of «May Ziadeh, The Nights of Isis Copia» marks a creative immortalization of «The Genius of the East.» This event lays the foundation for the emergence of a long-awaited Arab theatre. In this emergence, we attain universality through our authentic Arabic literature, with Dr. Wassini Al-Araj standing as a pivotal figure, blending contemporary and classic genius.

Al-Araj and Darjani contribute to this academic discourse within their respective fields. Professor Talal Darjani’s brilliance lies in his ability to draw from universal methods in text dramatization and theatrical conception, transforming the spectacle into a cultural and historical event reflecting the struggles of our Arab nation through precise ideas and intimate feelings.

Darjani collaborates with the creative novelist Dr. Al Araj and all participating artists, aligning with the audience to fulfill May Ziadeh’s wish: «I hope that someone will come after me who will do justice to me.» The objective is to resurrect Ziadeh, allowing her voice to echo truths and human justice through the freedom of theater. This entails maintaining a sincere and faithful dramatic expression capturing the essence of the original novel. Notably, Ziadeh endured injustice for her freedom of thought and advocacy for women’s and mankind’s progress. As a pioneer in the fight against social and cultural injustice among Arab and international women, it is our collective responsibility to bear rightful witness and publicly accord her justice.

As we rediscover our great local literature, the call is extended to all Arab directors and artists to delve into the thorny beauty of truth, rejecting superficial adaptations and seeking genuine meaning.

The art of dramatizing the novel, mastered by Professor Darjani, becomes pivotal in rebuilding the Arab stage artistically, intellectually, and culturally. Drawing from our literary heritage offers an authentic identity for Arab theater, addressing fundamental problems and fostering renewal and innovation for all involved in the theatrical process. This endeavor positions Arab theater on the global stage, contributing to scientific research, artistic creativity, and human expression at a global level.

We are fortunate to be contemporaries with these two creative giants.

*Professor Talal Darjani and novelist Dr. Wassini Al-Araj engaged in an intellectual symposium at Carthage Theater Days 2023, delving into the theme of «The Principles of Novel Dramatization as the Foundation for Aesthetic Intellectual Dialogue Among the Author, Director, and Audience.» They specifically examined the example of «May Ziadeh, Nights of Isis Copia,» transformed into the play «May Ziadeh, The Nights of The Cuckoo’s Nest» by Professor Darjani, who crafted the scenography and is presently directing it, with Dr. Maria Christie Bakhos portraying the role of «May Ziadeh.»