Spirits in Arabic, a fun web of mishaps spoke of mental health
The play was a testament to the cast's dedication and energy, making it a delightful experience.
I was graciously invited to the staging of the Arabic play Spirits at the Theatre of Digital Arts (TODA) on June 6.
As the play was in Arabic, I initially questioned whether attending was worthwhile. However, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that English subtitles were projected onto the head of the stage — a unique and intriguing feature I had never experienced in a live production.
The play starts with a cast of amusing characters, each with peculiarities, awaiting a senior doctor's visit to a mental health facility. This comedic ensemble, including a cook, a lawyer, a model, a doctor, a former prisoner, a matron, a scarecrow, a guard, and a girl who had failed at multiple suicide attempts, created a hilarious web of misunderstandings and mishaps. Including a fake exorcist also provided a thought-provoking commentary on age-old superstitions and mental health.
Although finer nuances of the dialogues and jokes (since I need help to understand Arabic!) were lost on me, the play was well-directed. The pacing and blocking were done well. Characterizations were considered, and the actors did a fine job engaging the audience. The audience laughed and enjoyed the slapstick moves of the silly situations. I particularly enjoyed the look of the scarecrow, which had a wooden pole on his shoulder hidden under the shirt, and his hands were moving freely to create a visually funny physicality for the character. Somewhere in the middle, we were confused about where the story was going and why some characters seemed to lack a significant purpose. This became clear at the end when it was revealed that the protagonist was being treated for mental illness.
The play was a testament to the cast's dedication and energy, making it a delightful experience. Despite some timing issues with the subtitles, the play's overall entertainment value was not diminished, leaving the audience in high spirits. All in all, it is an entertaining watch. Take a bow, Tariq, Noha, and The Prologue Productions team.
Authored by Rashmi Kotriwala
Rashmi Kotriwala is a well-known name in the UAE’s performing arts circle. Over the last 12 years, she has directed several award-winning plays and acted in and produced plays, festivals, and entertainment events in Dubai, Doha, and India. She teaches drama at her platform, EnAct. She also co-founded a popular community theatre space in Dubai.
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