Since the play “May 6 Movement,” which they presented in 2017 and 2018, the brothers Farid and Maher Sabbagh have been away from the stage. This absence was justified by Farid Sabbagh in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, citing several factors that contributed to it. Among them are the spread of the pandemic, the economic crisis, the Beirut explosion… and others. Today, the Sabbagh brothers have made their decision and will begin performances of their new play, “Not Just a Christmas Day,” starting December 7th. On the “George V Adonis” stage, its heroes appear: Youssef Al-Khal, Karen Ramia, Raymond Saliba, and Antoinette Akiki. Pauline Haddad, Alain Al-Ayla, Tariq Shaheen, Joseph Assaf, and others also participate in it.
“Not Only for Christmas” is an artistic plot that the Lebanese long for (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Farid Sabbagh explains that this return was necessary, which would contribute to moving the wheel of life… “We cannot remain idly waiting for relief, so we decided to take a risk and go with the play. It leans towards comedy and music, which the Lebanese need today as a spot of light in their dark diaries. Through the play, we express our adherence to Beirut, the beacon of culture. We also resist in our own way and in our own way.”
“Not Just About Christmas” falls under the category of musical theatre. It is a very expensive type and requires many elements to implement. It also includes different arts, bringing them together within a social and lyrical framework. It is filled with dancing paintings and content that is dominated by humor, but carries many humanitarian messages.
The Sabbagh brothers and a dialogue between evil and good (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The play is about a Lebanese estate famous for its preparations for Christmas. Lebanese and tourists from all over the world come to it to enjoy its atmosphere. The people of this village unite among themselves for this occasion, which lasts for one month. While they fight during the remaining 11 months of the year. Its viewers will enjoy the authentic Lebanese village square and its traditions. They are also attracted by conversations that take place between its people, which talk about disputes that occur between the mayor and the mayor, and between generations who automatically pass on the beliefs of their families without knowing their nature, which exposes them to problems that are more than 70 years old and which in reality do not exist.
Sung paintings constitute about 60 percent of the total work. It also contains representative situations and sketches that take place within the context of the modern estate. It also includes love stories that take the audience into a romantic atmosphere.
Regarding the reason why the Sabbagh brothers chose a comedy topic rich in music and dancing, Farid explains: “In light of the conditions we are going through, we wanted to present to people something that does not resemble their reality and concerns. They can no longer bear the analysis and scrutiny of issues and problems that they are tired of. Also, in our previous work, we presented many ideas in which we addressed our reality. During the Christmas season, musical and embroidered works with different artistic paintings are beautiful. It satisfies all ages and entertains family members, old and young.”
Action heroes Youssef Al-Khal and Karen Ramia during training (Asharq Al-Awsat)
It is true that the play is devoid of political “spreads,” as Farid Sabbagh says, but it contains several projections… “It can create a reality for different countries that is not limited only to Lebanon. Its stories are similar to those that can happen all over the world, especially since its topics are extremely social.”
The play has about 18 songs. Among them is a Gregorian one entitled “The Hour Has Struck Midnight.” This song may become a popular tradition followed by the Lebanese on Eid evening, just like the villagers in the play. They gather around the Christmas tree in the square to sing it once a year.
The Sabbagh brothers appear in the play as two pianists… “My brother and I will play two pianos; One is black, the other is white. We create a special choir for the village, with characters ranging from evil to good and the contradictions of life.”
Antoinette Akiki participates in the play (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The play is written and directed by the brothers Farid and Maher Sabbagh, and their younger brother Rami, who is the scenography designer for the play, meets with them. Because the 12 families in the village practice different professions, such as singing, blacksmith, carpenter, and electrician, special costumes were designed for them that quickly identify their professions. “Claire Sharaf carried out this mission and has been accompanying us since the Baalbek festivals. She also designed the village people’s costumes and Eid clothes that color the work. While Gabriella Murr took over the task of choreographing the dances.
The play’s performances will continue until the end of December, with the Lebanese ending a year of tragedies with a broad smile.
