Dimasheq
Minister of Culture Mohammed Yassin Al-Saleh met with actress Yara Sabri and several members of the “Damascus Theatre Troupe” to discuss ways of enhancing the role of art in building social awareness and reinforcing the values of justice and the culture of law. The meeting was held at his office in Damascus in the presence of director Maher Salibi and actors Robin Issa and Jaber Jokhdar.
The Minister listened to a range of ideas and proposals presented by the artists regarding the current state of the theatre and cultural scene in Syria. He emphasized the importance of Syrian art in strengthening social relations and rebuilding bridges of communication among Syrians, in addition to its role in restoring national values and symbols that were distorted during previous years, contributing to presenting the true image of Syria and its people.
For her part, actress Yara Sabri presented key questions raised by artists and intellectuals regarding the future of Syrian theatre, stressing the need to develop supportive plans for the theatre movement and to provide the necessary resources for theatrical production, considering it a national and cultural responsibility.
Director Maher Salibi highlighted the importance of strengthening communication between cultural actors and theatre practitioners, reviewing ongoing preparations for the play “Rehearsal of Judgment Day,” which is being produced under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture and is scheduled to be performed soon at Al-Hamra Theatre. The play, written by author Faris Al-Dhahabi and starring Yara Sabri, Robin Issa, and Jaber Jokhdar, addresses transitional justice and the role of law in achieving justice and ensuring redress for victims.
Actress Robin Issa also reviewed the situation of students at the Institute of Cinema and their aspirations, along with the main challenges facing the drama and theatre sectors. Meanwhile, actor Jaber Jokhdar pointed to the importance of developing the systems of the Artists’ Syndicate, supporting artistic production, and improving the artistic and academic environment in Syria.
The meeting addressed the key challenges facing the cultural and artistic landscape in the current phase. It concluded with an invitation from Minister Al-Saleh to the artists to continue dialogue and coordination with the Ministry, in order to support their cultural projects and overcome obstacles facing Syrian theatre, restoring its leading role.
