Al-Jarallah applauds ‘The Last Journey,' calls for more political freedom in Kuwaiti theater
KUWAIT CITY, April 6: The dean of Kuwaiti journalism and Editor-in-Chief of Arab Times and Al-Seyassah newspapers Ahmed Al-Jarallah (Abu Mishaal) chose to put down his pen for a while, and step away from life's concerns and the clamor of the press, perhaps in an attempt to ease the burden of the troubling news that weighs heavily on his mind day and night. Accompanied by media personality Saud Al-Farhan, Abu Mishaal attended the play 'The Last Journey', produced by artist Tariq Al-Ali and his partner Issa Al-Alawi, who warmly welcomed them at the Foroughi Theater. This visit marked Al-Jarallah's first trip to the theater in over 20 years. After the performance, which received widespread praise and applause, Al-Jarallah expressed his admiration for the artistic and visual quality of the play.
Addressing the play's star, artist Tariq Al-Ali, Al- Jarallah said, 'If this is your theater, Tariq, go ahead and fear no one.' Despite his demanding schedule, Al-Jarallah found time to attend the theater, where he praised the direct approach and the political and social implications presented in 'The Last Journey'. He commended the play's exposure of corruption and corrupt individuals, which he sees as the essence of purposeful theater. In exclusive statements, the editor-in-chief of Arab Times and Al-Seyassah newspapers Ahmed Al-Jarallah said, 'Kuwaiti theater was a symbol of leadership when it exported the cultural scene to all Arab countries.'
Attention
He affirmed that theater has always been an important indicator of societal issues, and the topics raised on its stage were given serious attention in many Arab countries. With his sharp political insight, Al-Jarallah attributed the long-term decline of Kuwaiti theater to previous National Assembly members, stating, 'Unfortunately, we went through a period of parliamentary chaos that led to the decline of theater. Some politicians exerted pressure on the Ministry of Information, imposed their views and silenced opposing voices.' He indicated that theater, being an important sector, is naturally affected by the political environment.
Al-Jarallah expressed hope that Kuwait had moved past such political interference, noting that the theater's packed audience now serves as a testament to its relevance to the ongoing social and political revival in the country. He emphasized that the theater's role today is even more significant, as it reflects the current events and issues facing the nation. Regarding the influence of theater on public decision- making, Al-Jarallah stressed that theater plays a crucial and effective role. Citing Egypt's National Theater as a model, he revealed that in the 1960s and 1970s, the plays presented there influenced leaders like Jamal Abdel Nasser, Anwar Sadat, and Hosni Mubarak to implement reform decisions for the country. Al-Jarallah recalled an encounter at Kuwait Airport with the late President Anwar Sadat, during which he asked Sadat if he had seen the play 'The Mule in the Jug,' which was being performed in 1967. The play, which accused the Egyptian government of being subservient to the Soviet Union, sparked controversy at the time. Sadat confirmed he had seen the play but denied any claim that the Egyptian government was subservient to the Soviet Union. Al-Jarallah said Sadat's response underscored the idea that theater and its content do reach the authorities, who, at that time, did not intervene to stop or condemn the performance.
Censorship
In conclusion, Al-Jarallah urged the Minister of Information and Culture, the Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and the Chair of the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters to ease censorship on theatrical productions, and allow theater to serve its vital role in critically examining and diagnosing societal issues. He emphasized the need for members of the censorship committee to fully understand the vital role theater plays in shaping the country's cultural landscape. Such awareness would help revive the lost role of art critics, which has been absent for years. Al-Jarallah expressed his enjoyment of the theatrical performance featuring iconic artist Tariq Al-Ali, particularly appreciating the actor's critique of the decline in Kuwaiti sports. He highlighted how the play exposed the true nature of many who claim patriotism but reveal their true selves over time. Al-Jarallah praised the directorial vision and innovative techniques used in the production, which effectively served the overall theme of the play. In response, artist Tariq Al-Ali thanked Al-Jarallah for his attendance, stating that his presence at the Foroughi Theater was a direct endorsement of the theatrical movement and the efforts of theater artists in Kuwait. Al-Ali highlighted that this support is in line with the long-standing calls from artists for the press to play a more prominent role in backing Kuwaiti theater.
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