DELAL REMEZAN

Hasakah- World Theater Day is annually celebrated on March 27. Theater, a form of visual arts, has developed thanks to culture and art centers opened after the women’s revolution in North and East Syria (Rojava). NuJINHA spoke to theater actresses in Hasakah about World Theater Day. 

Reem Hassan, member of the Hilala Zêrin Cultural Movement, has been a theater actress for three years. “I have been interested in theater since my childhood. I wanted to take to the stage without fear or hesitation. Theatre is very important to me. It is a way of expressing myself. Through theater, we can give messages to people. We care about the audience's ideas and their interaction with us.”

 ‘Theater reflects the reality of society’

Reem Hassan believes that theater is a mirror that reflects the reality of society and the tragedies it has experienced throughout history. “Theater actors in North and East Syria participate in the Yekta Herekol Theater Festival every year to celebrate World Theater Day. They perform different theater plays giving precious messages.”

‘We keep taking part in theater without caring about what we are told’

Theater actresses face many challenges due to the patriarchal mindset that rejects their existence in society. “Some parents prevent their daughters from becoming theater actresses, believing that theater has no future and that it is shameful for a woman to perform in front of an audience,” Yekta Herekol said. “We keep taking part in the theater without caring about what we are told in order to develop our society and get rid of outdated traditions and customs.”

 Reem Hassan called on parents to support their daughters. “I call on all ambitious and talented women to improve themselves. Kurdish women should participate in cultural activities to introduce their culture and heritage to the world.”

‘Everyone should pay more attention to the field of theater’

Eva Abdi, another member of the Hilala Zêrin Cultural Movement, has been a theater actress for two years. “When I started performing in theater, I faced many problems. I was ashamed of taking to the stage because of gender stereotypes in our society. After the revolution, gender stereotypes have begun to change. We had the opportunity to develop our talents and confront everything that hindered our freedom.” Eva Abdi called on everyone to pay more attention to the field of theater. “Theater plays should be performed everywhere, not only at festivals. We need training courses and academies to improve the talents of theater actors.”