The Emirati “Blinx” platform published a report under the title of the Lebanese-Syrian “Ramadan” drama…and “A Time of War and Crisis,” which stated:
There are many dramas in Lebanon for the month of Ramadan, most notably “A Amal,” “2024,” “A Look of Love,” “Forgetting,” and “Point Has Ended.”
The irony is that these dramas came amid difficult security conditions in the country, especially after the outbreak of tension in southern Lebanon between Hezbollah and Israel since last October 8.
Also, the economic crisis that Lebanon is suffering from and its impact on the reality of the actors and their work can never be overlooked. Has dramatic production been affected by the current security and economic crisis? What do actors say about the current reality of Lebanese drama? What is their vision of the reality of artistic production in Lebanon?
Joint business
All series affiliated with the Lebanese drama for Ramadan 2024 are joint artistic works between Lebanese and Syrian actors. The series “Amal” stars Lebanese actors Maguy Bou Ghosn and Badie Abu Chakra and Syrian actor Mahyar Khaddour.
The series “2024” includes actress Nadine Nassib Njeim and artist Carmen Lebbos, along with Syrian artist Muhammad Al-Ahmad.
There is also the series “A Look of Love”, which brings together the Syrian artist Basil Khayyat with the Lebanese artist Randa Kaadi and the Syrian actress Amal Saad El-Din.
The series “Forgetting” includes the Lebanese artist Cyrine Abdel Nour, co-starring with the Syrian artist Qais Sheikh Najib, along with the Lebanese actor Yorgo Shalhoub and actress Nada Abu Farhat.
“A Point That Ends” is a series starring the Syrian artist Abed Fahd and the Lebanese actor Adel Karam. It also includes other prominent artists such as the Lebanese actress Zeina Makki and the Syrian Anas Tayara.
“A wonderful fusion and collaboration”
Although the star of purely Lebanese drama has not shined for a long time, the joint works put the Lebanese and Syrian actors in the same position and condition.
Syrian artist Amal Saad El-Din, who was famous for her role as “Badiya” in the prominent Syrian series “Lost Manor,” told “Blinks” that her participation in “Laze of Love” is very special due to the wonderful cooperation with other artists, especially Randa Kaadi, Jad Abu Ali, and Rania. Issa, where these people gathered within the so-called “family house” in the series.
Saad El-Din points out that Lebanese artists are distinguished by their wonderful performance and great creativity, considering that her experience with Lebanese stars has given her a wonderful shine that motivates her to constantly cooperate and work within joint works.
What Saad El-Din said was agreed upon by artist Randa Kaadi, who said that the joint works are characterized by their magnitude, firstly, and secondly, they are a place for exchanging experiences and a source of fusion. She adds: “What we witnessed in the series ‘Nazraat Love’ was a title of complete creativity… The harmony is very great, as the acting techniques and the prominent development in “The performance was a milestone for everyone. The experience was very wonderful.”
Drama in light of the living crisis and war
Actor Badie Abu Chakra, who is participating in the series “Amal,” said in his interview via “Blinx” that at the height of the crises and wars that Lebanon experienced, Lebanese drama never stopped producing artistic works, and he said: “We always yearn for life and crises do not break us. We went through more difficult circumstances than that, and the Lebanese drama was at the height of its glory.”
Abu Chakra points out that there is “no purely Lebanese drama” this year, noting that the production of series with a purely Lebanese identity has declined for some time until it has almost completely disappeared, with the exception of some small works whose existence is appreciated despite all the difficulties.
Kaadi told Blinks that the current security conditions in southern Lebanon did not affect the filming work at all, and she said that all operations continued as they were despite the threat of war, and she continued: “The circumstances are very difficult, but we have not and will not give up.. We will remain with our audience and present it to them.” Everything is new and we are not retiring, no matter the cost.”
Likewise, Kaadi also confirms that artistic production in Lebanon has been greatly affected due to the lack of support, and the series have taken on the character of joint works. She continued: “The actor has begun to appear only during certain seasons. Previously, the works were not normal, but were abundant, but today we are waiting for a month.” Ramadan and some other occasions to present some work.”
However, Kaadi explains that the drama has become in danger after it was neglected by those concerned, but she said: “Despite that, we will not abandon our profession… No one receives a fair wage, but the audience is sacred to us, and we will continue to offer them a lot… There are human and material capabilities.” Technically, it is very important, but the basis can be found in correct employment and productive investment.”
For her part, Saad El-Din confirms that artistic giving in light of crises and wars is evidence of survival, considering that Syrian or Lebanese drama is still present and continuing despite the bombing and destruction. She said: “It is true that the number of dramatic works has declined, but they still exist… they express About society and there is never any room for retreat.”
Saad El-Din pointed out that Lebanon is missing “dubbing,” and said: “This is very sad… In Lebanon, there is great giving in addition to enthusiasm, and there are great creators… The economic crisis has affected artistic production in Lebanon, but hope remains in Restoring momentum because Lebanon is a country of art, civilization, and the epitome of creativity.” (blinx – blinx)
