Ali Abdel Rahman (Cairo)
Arab women begin their journey into the world of the drama from the very beginning, appearing as faint shadows at the edges of the story, as if they are mere reflections of a society that always expects them to be supportive, silent and submissive, and there is power behind these simple characters and the volcano of struggle, waiting for the right moment to appear.
Over time, this woman transforms from a mere shadow to a star, lighting up the story’s world and raising questions about freedom, justice, and identity. Arab theater thus bears witness to the emergence of women as narrative leaders, symbols of social change, and revealers of the internal and external conflicts they experience.
marginalized copy
In the 1960s, Arab drama took its first steps, with female characters appearing as marginalized versions of harsh social realities. In 1962, the Egyptian TV series “The Fugitive” starring Abdullah Ghaith and Madiha Salem and directed by Nour Al came out. – “Demlash” was one of the first works to deal with this subject, the woman is presented as the backstory of the heroic man, but the series refers to the woman’s inner struggle against the social limitations imposed on her.
In Levantine drama, female rebellion began to emerge more clearly in the 1975 series Assad Valak, starring Mona Wassef, in which female characters presented challenges beyond traditional roles, while The Syrian woman in this work is a symbol of “resistance.” Rebellion and expression of social and economic struggles.
break limits
In the 1970s, women began to break free of the constraints that bound them, moving from mere background to events to the main focus of the dramatic structure, as in the 1977 Egyptian drama series The Fog, starring Karima. Mokhtar sees women as the main movers of events, challenging traditional roles at work by demanding rights they have long been denied.
In the Gulf region, dramas began to explore women’s issues in a deeper level. The 1979 TV series “Greetings to My Father and Mother” starring Hayat Fahd was one of the works that presented Gulf women as active elements. In families and society, female characters begin to reflect on their reality and try to reconcile personal ambitions with family life.
Signs of change began to appear in Levantine dramas, such as 1979’s Haret Al-Sayadin, in which female characters were seen as symbols of society, challenging traditional restrictions and seeking to prove themselves in a pressing social context.
This work presents advanced ideas about women’s roles, as well as models that reflect the conflicts and challenges they face in their daily lives.
dramatic revolution
In the 1980s, a real dramatic revolution took place in the image of women on Egyptian screens. The 1988 TV series “Rayali Hermea” showed the image of a strong woman who challenged traditional roles and found herself. The protagonist of this work reflects women’s struggle with social expectations and the pursuit of self-actualization.
In Gulf drama, this period saw the emergence of some dramas that boldly explored women’s issues, including “My Aunt Kamatha” in 1983, in which Hayat Fahd created the image of a Gulf woman. , she faces challenges as she seeks to realize her ambitions and transcend traditional limitations. Social Challenges.
As for Levantine drama, in the 1984 series “Wings” it presents the character of an educated woman who rebels against restrictions and searches for her identity in a world of subordination imposed on her. These characters reflect the struggle of Syrian women against a tradition and society that strictly limits their roles.
liberation and independence
In the 1990s, the image of women in Arab dramas has developed unprecedentedly.
In Egypt, the series “Twins” led by Leila Alavi shows women as independent personalities, living in a challenging reality and facing it with reason and free will.
In the Gulf, women emerge in more complex and sophisticated ways, as shown in the Dart Al Ayyam series by Fatima Al Hosani, an educated, talented A cultured woman who tries to express herself in a society that imposes severe restrictions on her.
Make a story
In the new century, Arab women have become the center of drama. The series “Orange Is the New Black” starring Nelly Karim shows a female character who suffers from the cruelty of society but maintains inner resilience. injustice.
In the Gulf, Hoda Hussein stars in the TV series Umm Haroun, which tells the story of a strong woman who challenges the social conventions imposed on her, Create a new place for yourself in the Bay Area amidst the major social changes that are taking place.
In Levantine drama, the Five and One Texts series showcases the power of women in the face of injustice, in which Nadine Nassib Njem plays a unique role expressing the role of Lebanese women in society and Suffering during political turmoil.
reflection of reality
Art critic Menna Obeid said: “The journey of Arab women in theater is not limited to changes in performance roles. It also reflects changes in social and cultural realities. The proportion of works focusing on women’s issues has increased in recent years.” Significant changes have occurred, reflecting changes in cultural and social trends.”
It is expected that women will continue to expand their roles in drama, as modern technology and digital broadcasting help open up new horizons for expressing their issues, and we are likely to see productions that tackle themes such as social rebellion and cultural change in innovative ways, These promote the image of women as a positive force in shaping society.
concept formation
Critic Menna Obeid emphasized that women’s theater remains a mirror that reflects complex reality. Due to its development, it is no longer just a bystander of change, but a creator of change, contributing to the reshaping of cultural and social concepts. contribution, arguing that its journey is not yet over and is rising towards a more just future.
Challenging constraints
In Levantine drama, the series “Sons and Mothers” highlights the development of the female figure by presenting female characters who challenge social constraints and seek new opportunities.
These characters are known for their strength and independence, which helps to promote the image of Levantine women as the main focus of dramatic stories.
