Mute (Kuwait-Lebanon-Syria)

1. Why did you choose this topic? How has this production influenced your work and life?

“Mute” is a theatrical performance that interrogates the notion of artistic resistance. The work is set against the backdrop of a massive human tragedy –  the explosion of the port of Beirut in August 2020. The monologue that constitutes the text is a long, discursive enquiry into the meaning of being an artist –  a theatre artist – in the face of huge violence. The form and structure of the performance seek to challenge traditional theatre norms and explore the limits of traditional dramaturgy. This production has deeply influenced my work by pushing me to question how we define theatrical art and find more radical ways to interact with the audience, breaking expectations and pushing the limits of artistic expression. The performance also brings together artists from Kuwait, Lebanon, Syria, and France, creating a unique fusion of diverse cultural backgrounds.

2. Were there any interesting situations during rehearsals or performances? Please describe. 

One particularly interesting situation was our own doubt during the preparation of the performance, regarding the very genre of what we were creating. Was this really theatre? At every stage of the creation, we questioned the form and nature of the performance, which pushed us to explore beyond the conventional boundaries of theatre. We were faced with the uncertainty of how the audience would respond to this unconventional experience, where traditional narrative is broken and text, music/light take center stage and where provocation is an integral part of the interaction. This constant questioning enriched our creative process and reinforced the idea of “Mute” as a form of artistic resistance that challenges the usual expectations of theatre.

3. Is there something else that the audience should know?

“Mute” is the latest result of a long-standing collaboration between artistic, musical and acting teams. For lead actress Hala Omran, scenographer Eric Soyer, and writer/director Sulayman Al Bassam, this partnership spans over ten years and more than six productions. What unites all these works is their engagement with the contemporary realities of violence. With “Mute”, this exploration reaches a new level of artistic abstraction, creating a space for reflection and contemplation. The production also adopts a carnivalesque tone –  becoming, in a way, an irreverent elegy to traditional forms of political critique. It challenges conventional approaches while offering a bold, thought-provoking experience.

4. What is freedom to you?

For me, freedom is the ability to experiment, to break with established conventions and, above all, to be free of the duty of delivering a coherent, tidy message. I believe audiences who have appreciated “Mute” also recognise this freedom and find it exhilirating!