Love missive penned by Ali Chahrour addresses turbulent Beirut city
In April 2024, the Hebbel am Ufer (HAU) theatre in Berlin will host a thought-provoking performance titled "Iza Hawa." Created by Beirut-based artist Ali Chahrour, this production offers a poignant exploration of love, ageing, and human feelings, set against the backdrop of Beirut, a city that has witnessed tumultuous history.
Chahrour, who primarily focuses his artistic practice on Beirut and love, does not alter the essence of his performance based on the audience's location or familiarity with the city. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of sharing their stories, especially during these trying times.
"Iza Hawa" features iconic Lebanese theatre figures Roger Assaf and Hanane Hajj Ali, who collaborate with Chahrour to depict a charged relationship with Beirut. The performance revolves around a couple who have lived in Beirut for decades, focusing on their love for the city and their experiences through its history.
The themes of the performance may be influenced by the ongoing conflicts in Palestine and Lebanon. Chahrour sees the role of theatre, art, and dance as making their stories heard to the world and influential governments. He believes that the quality of their resistance lies in creating the best performance they can, and "Iza Hawa" is a testament to this belief.
Refaat Alareer, a Palestinian writer, once said, "If I must die, you must live to tell my story." This sentiment resonates with Chahrour, who uses his art to bring international attention to the ongoing conflicts in Palestine and Lebanon. The presentation of "Iza Hawa" in Berlin serves as a means to achieve this goal.
"Iza Hawa" can be translated from Arabic as "if one loves" and "if one falls." It serves as a tribute to Beirut and to the couple, who have been married for 30 years and are witnessing its current demise. The performance will be presented as part of HAU's 'Love is a Verb - A Festival on Ways of Relating' in Berlin, making it accessible to an international audience regardless of their familiarity with Beirut.
"Iza Hawa" is a form of resistance through artistic expression, according to Chahrour. He does not shy away from addressing sensitive political issues in his work, and the performance is no exception. The performance's creator emphasizes that the role of art is to influence, to make a difference, and to be heard. In "Iza Hawa," Chahrour achieves just that, offering a powerful narrative that transcends borders and resonates with audiences worldwide.
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