Jessica Habchi wrote on mtv:
The Lebanese theater received a big blow with the spread of the “Corona” pandemic and at the beginning of the economic crisis, which is still taking its seasons, however, and in a positive phenomenon, theatrical art in Lebanon is still vibrant to join the caravan of the steadfast in a homeland that has become a huge theater for the ugliest play the Lebanese have ever known.
Theatrical performances are crowded in the most famous and prestigious Lebanese theaters, stories that are embodied on a stage to reflect what the groups of Lebanese society are experiencing on more than one level, and to be a “disorder of morality” for every citizen who wanted to escape, even for a moment, from his reality and his daily life that goes without a compass. How is the state of theater in Lebanon? What are the challenges facing the sector? How much are the ticket prices?
In a tour of our website on the electronic ticket windows, it became clear that the prices of tickets for the plays that are currently being held in Lebanon have become in dollars, and range from $10 to $30, with special discounts for students and large groups. What is remarkable is the emergence of “encouraging cards” for artists, which are the highest in price and run out the fastest.
Actress, writer, director and founder of Al-Madina Theatre, Nidal Al-Ashqar, explains that “theatre is not a priority in Lebanon and is not supported at all by the state, especially in light of what is happening today. by the audience on the prestigious stage in Lebanon.” She considered, in an interview with the mtv website, that “the Lebanese citizen, despite his difficult situation, loves life, arts, and culture, and his turnout for the stage is a turnout for his humanity.”
In the same context, Al-Ashqar points out that “basic support should be given to artists to encourage them to give artistically, and the positive thing is that we receive a lot of donations from prestigious international bodies and institutions whose aim is to encourage and support art and theater in Lebanon,” adding, while talking regarding prices and challenges. The economist: “Our prices are very acceptable, taking into account the expenses the theater needs in terms of rent, electricity, diesel fuel, cleaning and other expenses. What is remarkable is the interest in buying incentive cards despite the difficult situation of citizens, due to the belief in the role and importance of the theater.”
A ray of hope shines through the stage of art and theater in Lebanon, where the human being comes first, a slogan that we needed to implement before the final curtain falls.