Sharjah24: "Iraqi Theatre in Exile: Influence and Interaction," a book by the Arab Theatre Institute, chronicles a symposium that brought together notable Iraqi expatriate theatre professionals. This event was a segment of the intellectual conference that took place during the 14th Arab Theatre Festival in Baghdad last January. This book brings together papers from participants that explore themes of identity and globalisation, as well as the cultural challenges associated with migration.
Dr. Fadel Al-Jaf moderated the symposium, featuring notable contributions such as Iyad Hamed, who skilfully blended Swedish and Iraqi cultures in his adaptation of "Carmen." Hazem Kamel Aldin, one of the pioneering Iraqi theatre migrants, delved into intimate performance spaces in Belgium, turning residences into stages with his work "Zero Hour." In a similar vein, Saleh Hassan Faris, in the Netherlands, emphasized body language as a means to overcome linguistic barriers in his work, "Rain Symphony."
Other contributors included Karim Rashid from Malmö, who reflected on the misconceptions surrounding migration; Fadhel Al-Sudani, who emphasised the creative resilience necessary in Copenhagen's vibrant theatre scene; and Shamal Omar from Vienna, who highlighted Austria as a space filled with both challenges and opportunities.
Naji Abdel Amir, inspired by Amin Maalouf's words to reimagine artistic opportunities in Finland, and Hooshang Waziri, whose experiences in the US illustrate the interplay between nostalgia for one's homeland and the adaptation to new cultural environments, shared their insights at the symposium. Iraqi actress Dalia Bassiouni discussed the presentation of Iraqi culture to American audiences through both translated and original works.
The conversations and experiences conveyed highlight the intricate relationship between Iraqi cultural heritage and international influences, showcasing the transformative role of theatre in exploring identity, belonging, and artistic expression across boundaries.
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