'Asking oneself about one's reality'
Monodrama explores youth struggles in Salah Al-Din, drawing praise
SALAH AL-DIN – The Balad District Theatre hosted a performance of the monodrama “A… To Be?” which captivated the audience with its portrayal of the struggles faced by young people, particularly graduates seeking job opportunities amid a lack of realistic solutions. The play featured a single actor, Mustafa Faiq, whose compelling performance highlighted the anxiety and uncertainty of youth about the future.
Directed by Basim Al-Jubouri, the play used artistic techniques such as suggestive movements and expressive gestures to convey deeper messages about overcoming anxiety and despair. At the conclusion of the performance, the protagonist made a symbolic gesture by attempting to stop the curtain from closing, signifying a rejection of closed horizons and a desire for open possibilities.
Speaking to 964media, Mustafa Faiq expressed his satisfaction with the performance, saying, “I was able to achieve the play’s objectives despite the limited tools, sending a message to the youth not to lose hope or turn to secondary concerns and negative thoughts.” Faiq also welcomed the criticism received, noting that it helps to “correct the artistic direction of the work,” and called for more support for theater in Salah Al-Din, emphasizing the presence of young talents in the region.
Director Basim Al-Jubouri described the play as the first monodrama in Balad, noting that it was well-received by critics for its scenography, script, direction, and performance. “No work is without its flaws, but the actor managed to keep the audience engaged throughout the performance,” Al-Jubouri added.
Audience member Noor Najah praised the performance, particularly the actor’s body movements, which she said carried numerous meanings. “The play has a philosophy that should be taken as a lesson—asking oneself about one’s reality, especially when graduating and not finding a job,” she remarked.
Alaa Hussein, head of the Artists Syndicate in Salah Al-Din, commented on the difficulty of the monodrama format for the young actor Mustafa but praised his successful use of his artistic abilities. “We have invited him to restage the play in Tikrit, and we will provide full support to the team, as it reflects the reality and future of the youth,” Hussein said.
Nationally, Iraq’s theater industry has been struggling to regain its lost audience, with some attributing this to a shift towards overcomplicated, academic productions that alienate viewers, while others point to a lack of funding and changing artistic tastes.
Financial support for the arts has improved in recent years. In 2023, Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa’ Al-Sudani announced funding for Iraqi artists, allocating 13 billion dinars ($9.9 million), including 500 million dinars ($382,000) outside this initiative for hosting the Arab Theater Festival in Baghdad. According to the Union of Artists, the government has also set aside 2 billion dinars ($1.5 million) annually to support theatrical productions, offering a glimmer of hope for the revival of Iraq’s rich theatrical tradition.
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