YOUSRA AL-AHMAD

Raqqa- The Zenubya Theatre Community formed by young women in the city of Raqqa, northeastern Syria, aims to include more women in the art world. The community also aims to raise awareness about women’s issues, reality, gains, struggle and history through their performances. The community consists of eight women aged between 15 and 18.

In an interview with NuJINHA, the members of the community talked about their activities and their projects.

 Art is a way to convey our messages, said Samar Cuma, a member of the community. “We have also supported the campaigns and activities of the Zenubya Women's Community to raise awareness about women’s issues.

“Through our performances, we address women’s issues such as cultural norms and traditions, the roles of women in society, child marriage, polygamy, gender-based violence, what women were subjected to by ISIS and the problems faced by women today.1

‘The system based on democracy paves the way for art’

My passion and love for theatre was effective in being a member of the community, Isra Al-Abbud told NuJINHA. “Becoming a theatre artist is not easy; you can memorize all movements and dialogues and imitate them appropriately by receiving training. We tell the reality of women in North and East Syria through our performances. The system based on democracy in North and East Syria paves the way for art.”

‘Young people are interested in art’

“My father encouraged me to be a theatre artist after he saw that I have a talent for theatre. I first joined a theatre group of the Hîlala Zêrîn Cultural Movement,” said Nagam Halil, who is now a member of the Zenubya Theatre Community.

Hor Al-Abd is a member of the community and a folk dance group called “Palmyra”. She also plays the violin. “I joined the community to improve my personal skills. When I went on stage for the first time, I felt fear, stress and happiness at the same time because I was realizing my dream.”