Abu Alaa Al-Ma’arri theater troupe for blind performers debuts with ‘Darkness Speaks’

DHI QAR — The Forum for Culture and Arts in Nasiriyah announced the formation of the “Abu Alaa Al-Ma’arri” theater troupe for blind performers, marking its debut with a play titled “Darkness Speaks”. The performance, the first of its kind in the city, featured young blind men and women on stage.

The troupe’s organizers have called for greater support to develop their work both inside and outside the governorate.

“When we formed the blind theater troupe, we had 25 actors, but we lacked the means to transport them from their homes to the theater,” said Alaa Hussein, head of the Forum for Culture and Arts in Nasiriyah, speaking to 964media. “I had to personally transport them in my own car and select actors who lived closest to the venue for this play.”

Hussein, who also wrote the script, tailored it for four blind actors, centering the story on their struggles and aspirations. “We included a sighted leader from the Shulki theater team to guide movement on stage,” he said.

The production faced multiple challenges, with transportation and limited financial resources being the biggest obstacles, Hussein added.

Blind theater is not new, said Yasser Al-Barak, a theater director, noting that it exists in many countries, including Iraq. “Karbala has the Siraj troupe, which has staged several productions,” he said.

“The Shulki art team is supporting these artists in Nasiriyah, and we are trying to develop their work as much as possible. However, they need financial and moral support to enhance their acting and stage movement skills. These performers need a specially designed stage that allows them to move safely.

“It is crucial to recognize their determination to establish themselves in theater and connect with audiences, starting with this production and continuing with future works,” Al-Barak said.

The play’s narrative follows a group of blind individuals who initially feel hopeless but are encouraged by their sister Maryam to realize they are not confined to isolation and can impact society.

“Blind individuals have contributed greatly to academia and other fields,” said Ali Hassan, one of the actors. “Through this event, we call on all institutions to highlight and support cultural initiatives like this.”

“This experience is a starting point for many cultural activities led by people with disabilities in the governorate. We plan to take our performances to Baghdad and present our work on the National Theater stage in the future.”