BEIT EL HEKMA – Gibran Khalil Gibran

Space of Culture presents

BEIT EL HEKMA – Heliopolis University Productions

Gibran Khalil Gibran

Poetry Salon

As a young man, Gibran Khalil Gibran (1883 Lebanon–1931 New York)  emigrated with his family to the United States, where he studied art and began his literary career, writing in both English and Arabic. In the Arab world, Gibran is regarded as a literary and political rebel. His romantic style was at the heart of a renaissance in modern Arabic literature, especially prose poetry, breaking away from the classical school. In Lebanon, he is still celebrated as a literary hero.

Chiefly known was his 1923 book “The Prophet”, an early example of inspirational fiction including a series of philosophical essays written in poetic English prose.

The play is telling about Gibran’s life, his art of painting, talent and close friends Mi’hail Nu’aima and Elia Abu Madi; two important poets as well whom he met in New York. Moreover, the play gives us an insight in the yearlong relationship with May Ziade, also a writer and poet. This relationship was based on correspondence only. The lovers never met but they were deeply inspired by each other.

Cast (in order of appearance)

Hamada Shousha

Mohamed Aboalkheir

Mohamed Reda

Students of HU

Written and directed by

Tamer El Gazzar

Music

Steven Simon

Light

Tamer El Gazzar

Eurythmy

Nashwa Mostafa, Mohamed Mamdouh, students of HU

Dance

Mohamed Ismael Team and Tamer El Sayed

Special thanks to Menna Rashwan, Felix Abouleish and his team, Team of Fine Art