The stage offers one of the most popular Eid pastimes in Bahrain and the Arab world, with families going to the theatre to enjoy plays, musicals and dramas.
The peak seasons for theatre in Bahrain are Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, and actors and companies prepare all year to deliver the grand productions.
Eid plays are considered an informal kind of theatre, as they are aimed at the common man, are flashier, easier to digest, and rarely overlap with performances that are considered to be ‘high art’, say reviewers.
They also often have a message or a moral behind them.
Every year, playwrights create brand-new dramas to cater to the demand of the audience. Here is a list of the shows which are premiering on the Bahraini stage this Eid:
The Broke Hamour (Hamour Mfalles)
Dates: March 30 to April 18
Prices: BD5 to BD25
Location: Cultural Hall
This satirical play follows an ensemble of characters as they try to get rich. A creation of the iconic Mafia Sekrab theatre troupe, the show discusses social issues in humorous and absurdist ways.
Because of Mafia Sekrab’s explosive popularity, with their shows selling out every Eid, more than 20 performances are scheduled for The Broke Hamour.
It was written by Hasan Al Eskafi, the playwright behind the well-loved play Ya Ani Ya Batta and the famous Mafia Sekrab trilogy, which the group’s name comes from.
The GDN was able to attend a rehearsal of The Broke Hamour, and spoke with the show’s staff.
“Our plays are successful because of the audience’s trust in us,” Mr Al Eskafi said. “We do not belittle our viewers – people need to laugh so we deliver that to them.”
In Bahraini Arabic, rich people are sometimes referred to as ‘hamour’ or grouper, an expensive and plump local fish.
For more information visit @mafia.sekrab
Be Happy
Dates: March 31 to April 5
Prices: BD3.300 to BD22
Location: Muharraq Model Youth Centre/Mask Crew
A musical show aimed at children, Be Happy is set in the fictional town of Broadway, where performers, actors and musicians reside.
Boasting 12 musical numbers, the play ‘focuses on the importance of childhood and children’s right to achieve their dreams’ in ‘a world filled with challenges’.
Performances will begin on the second day of Eid until the sixth, with two shows per day. The musical is accompanied by a carnival, offering games and food to the audience.
It was written by Othman Al Shatti and directed by Fahad Zainal, who last year co-created the hit musical show Chance2Dance.
For more information visit @maskcrew.bh
City of Aan (Madinat Aan)
Dates: April 1 to 2
Prices: BD4 to BD5
Location: Sitra Charity Society headquarters
This mediaeval-inspired play is set in the Utopian city of Aan, a place where all live in perfect harmony and peace.
Trouble in paradise strikes, however, when the city’s ruler makes decisions that disturb Aan’s tranquillity, with various characters intervening and co-operating to save the day.
The cast comprises a group of youths, and is organised by the Rabeha Centre for Development of Talents and Hobbies.
A 25 per cent discount is offered to groups attending the show, if they belong to societies or establishments. It was written by Rabeha Isa and directed by Jaafar Al Basri.
For more information visit @rabeha.center
The Big Surprise (Al Mufaja’a Al Kubra)
Dates: March 31, April 1
Prices: BD4 to BD25
Location: Isa Town Club Theatre
A man named Abdulla, who is deep in debt, becomes rich overnight after he wins the lottery. The previously disliked Abdulla suddenly becomes popular, with people trying to get closer to him for his money.
The play explores how people are treated based on their wealth, according to producer Ali Bader, and ends with a shocking plot twist that reveals everyone’s true intentions.
“It’s a situational comedy, but instead of the plain lighting and backgrounds, we have introduced elements of serious theatre like targeted lighting, set changes and more,” he told the GDN.
The play is adapted from Millionaire, written by playwright and theatre actor Ali Yahya, which was first performed in 2015 Shakhura Youth Centre.
It stars well-known comedy actors Adel Al Johar and Aqeel Al Majed, and is staged by XO Productions.
For more information visit @xo__production.
zainab@gdnmedia.bh
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