AN ACTOR AND A GENTLEMAN

The great artist Mansor Al-Rahbany is one of the most important writers at the Arabic palatics theatre and he doesn't need any introduction. His artistic additions during the 80 odd years have been phenomenal.

By Nihal Kamel

Published: Tue 17 Aug 2004, 2:58 AM

Last updated: Thu 2 Apr 2015, 12:32 AM

He is a real symbol of the original artist who carries the Arabic palatics tragedy at heart and translates all those feelings during his artistic works. Nobody can forget the play The last days for Sokrat, which presented a valuable palatics drama for the Arab world, nowadays, the Al-Rahbany theatre is ready to present another successful play Hokm Al-Rahyan. City Times chats to Mansor Al-Rahbany about drama, arts and life in general.

Tell us a little about the play Hokm Al-Rahyan or Al-Rahyan, General ?

It's a serious play presenting the real arts, and tries to discuss the relation between the authority and the public. It talks about many tragedies in different levels of the population.

Why did you choose the singer Latefa for this play?

I always choose real artists at the correct time. Latefa has very beautiful voice, she is very famous and her voice suits the singing roles in the play.

Some critics said that you turn the character singing for Latefa to the character singing for the singer Fayroz?

When I met Latefa at the play The last days of Sokrat, we talked about some artistic cooperation between us and I realised that this place would suit to Latefa and she really is a very sensitive singer.

Tell us, how do you describe your working with the youth from Al-Rahbanya family like Marwan Al-Rahbany and the others?

I always encourage them and I give them all my experience at the arts.

How do you see the relation between the authority and the artist?

I think the artist must present his artistic vision for the public and authority. I have many relations with many Arabic leaders. But all my life, I like to say the truth without hurting anybody and at the same time I don't like to over compliment.

What's your wish in the life?

I am an old man, I am 80-years-old. But my wish is for the other people and the youth in all the Arab world, I dream for the other people a safe home far from all problems.