Dubai looking forward to dates with Shakespeare
The city can’t get enough of the Bard. The number of his works on stage here show Dubai’s keen interest in him. And these are fair times — with more good theatre headed to town
William Shakespeare still manages to get people excited. Mention him at any gathering of theatre folks and they begin to talk about their favourite work of his, their respect for the legend and how the plays he scripted 400 years ago reflect the times we live in. Recently, the city has taken up many an occasion to celebrate his works. And we caught up with people who brought those works to the Dubai stage.
“He invented words ranging from “fashionable” to “gloomy”, says Arjun Burman, an actor-director, who works with H72 Productions, the community theatre arm of The Junction, Alserkal Avenue. “Through his writing we discovered new forms of expressing emotions. It’s easy to take the phrase for granted nowadays, but there was a time when certain words did not exist.”
Padraig Downey, a director-producer who teaches theatre and Shakespeare to students in Dubai feels, “Apart from the beauty of the language, the themes are universal and relate to what is happening in the world today, be it the lust for power, corruption, abusing one’s position, jealousy, being bound by society, revenge or persecution. It’s all there!” He adds, “I recall watching an Afghan version of The
Comedy of Errors a few years ago; it was an eye-opener and was well received.” Padraig is currently producing and directing The
Al Hamlet Summit, a Middle Eastern adaptation of the original, “It is set in modern times and in modern English while honouring the poetic nature of Shakespeare’s prose and giving a noble nod to the wonderful Arab poetic tradition.” While Arjun is directing and acting as and in Julius Caesar, “We’ve re-imagined elements of the play — you’ll find omens and warnings become fake news and YouTube videos. The language remains unchanged. I wanted to preserve the essence of the human story — power, betrayal and ambition. This is a story that could conceivably happen here and now. We see politics everywhere in our lives, be it on TV shows like House of Cards or in everyday news.” Asad, who’s playing Mark Antony in Julius Caesar adds, “I believe everyone, everywhere can connect to Shakespeare. Look at Julius Caesar; the ‘tyrant’ who was murdered and then the institution fell apart. There are many nations, which draw a close resemblance to how Caesar, then Brutus, followed by Octavius and Antony led the state.”
It’s Hamlet for Asad, who’s also a producer and entrepreneur. It goes without saying that Arjun’s favourite is Julius Caesar, “Next favourite would be
The Merchant of Venice.” Padraig’s favourite work is Macbeth or the ‘Scottish Play.’ “I love the dynamic between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth. I also find Macbeth’s “vaulting ambition” is something so many people are affected by or come face to face with. It is the age-old adage of the “forbidden fruit” which is so fascinating.”
“I think many people are scared of Shakespeare. It may stem from not having watched Shakespeare or being exposed to it in school without appreciation or context,” says Arjun, who’d like to experiment with a Shakespearean comedy next. “It has to be Othello! But, with a Middle Eastern adaption like Othiam or Othman,” says Asad. “I wouldn’t mind looking at The
Merchant of Venice and its theme of the outsider, as well as the idea of a daughter (Portia) being bound by her father’s decree to marry against her will. Othello also appeals to me,” says Padraig. “You should be willing to submit to his writing as well as the character. You need to delve into the text to understand what is being said to bring out the true essence of Shakespearean literature,” says Asad.
He is a genius and an institution. This must sound very clichéd, but you never do really understand theatre until you have submersed in his works. He was the first person who brought theatre to the masses. Whether it be tragedy, comedy, history or prose — he is unmatched in the English language. Asad Raza Khan
It is the job of the director to make his (Shakespeare’s) works relevant, to bring it to the people and to hold a mirror up to society to make people think. Theatre is and should be a powerful tool for positive change and is there to make us think, to challenge our views and to place ourselves in the characters’ shoes.
His writing is packed with layers and the language is an absolute joy to behold. For example, Caesar’s famous line “Cowards die many times before their deaths, the valiant never taste of death but once”. Each word in that phrase is delivered at such a poignant moment when Caesar contemplates his own mortality. As a director and actor, it is most important to tell a good story and Shakespeare allows one to do just that. Arjun Burman Padraig Downey