Al Zeer Salem
Conjuring up the past to read the future

A modern interpretation of the historic epic of Al Zeer Salem and the famous "Basous" war in Islamic history, the world of prophesy is intertwined with war, chivalry, conspiracy and buffooney, exposing that lement of humans that aspires to power and control. According to the popular story, Al Tobe'a Hassan has been murdered by Kulaib. Hassan's sister plotted for revenge using Jassas, Kulaib's cousin. Al Zeer Salem rushes for vengeance, inciting the famous so-called war of Basous, named after a female camel used in the conspiracy. The war extended for a long time massacring an entire generation. However, a new generation emerges, impassioned and aiming to put an end to this war. The play presents the world-known saga in a unique style.

The weaving of the original historic story and the epics written about it, the Alfred Faraj text, the poem of Egyptian poet Amal Dunqul and the Palestinian setting conjure up a variety of images and concepts that are ironic at times, sad at others, yet exceptionally relevant on both the personal and communal levels.

A total of 17 actors and actresses, in addition to Moroccan director, Mohammad Khomais, add a touch of magic to the epic. Using Faraj's text which was written for theatre, and the original epic, and the conscience of Dunqul, to reinterpret the epic in a new way; and the result is a three-hour work full of the details of life, of artistic extremism, exceptional music, sound and light effects, madness and magic.

Written by George Ibrahim;
Music by Said Murad;
Scenography by Ashraf Hanna;
Costumes by Nasifeh Habash;
Stage Manager Raed Esied;
Directed by Mohammad Khomas;
Cast: Lana Haj Yahia,Husam Abu Aisheh, Khaled Al Masu,Khalifa Natour,Kamel alBasha, Taher Najeeb,Mahmoud Awad,Ibrahim Oleiwat, Ruba Bilal,Georgina Asfour,Jamil Al Sayyeh, Nizar Zu'bi,Ruba Subhi,Suha Qarain,Imad Farragin.