Syrian artist and director Nawar Bulbul premiered his version of "Romeo and Juliet" in Amman yesterday in the presence of Western diplomats, with some describing the play as a precedent in contemporary Syrian art.
The work consists of two groups of performers; one in Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan, where we are introduced to Romeo, and the second in the besieged city of Homs, where Juliet lives. The play is projected through Skype from Zaatari and Homs on a screen in the theater.
Director Nawar Bulbul said in a press statement to Madar al-Yawm that the work is a continuation for his first work "Shakespeare in Zaatari", which was also presented on World Theater Day last year.
As for the play's heroes, Bulbul said that Romeo is a Syrian refugee child living with his family in Amman, while Juliet is a child trapped in the city of Homs.
Bulbul considered the work a cry from Homs and Amman, hoping to break "the ugly" siege imposed on areas inside Syria, "through the children of Syria, with love, theater, art and hope for the future".
As for the difficulties facing the work, Bulbul said the children were trained through Skype, with the work consuming considerable time, as communications are not always available.
Responding to a question on whether the message has reached the desired audience, Bulbul said "perfectly", adding that the work was well received by the audience, with "some of them crying during the show".
Western diplomats were invited to the opening with no invitations being sent to Syrians, sparking some criticism, but Bulbul claims the premier was intended to address the world, noting that the show not only addresses the Syrians, but humanity in general.
Translated and edited by The Syrian Observer
