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3. "Aal Arbiin": Josyane Boulos and Mireille Panossian Blend Laughter and Truth at Le Monnot

Starting May 14 at 8:30 PM, Le Monnot theater presents Aal Arbiin, a play written by Dimitri Melki and directed by Shady Habr, starring Josyane Boulos and Mireille Panossian in a vibrant and moving performance that promises humor and deep emotion.

Beginning May 14 at 8:30 PM, Le Monnot theater will showcase Aal Arbiin, a play written by Dimitri Melki and directed by Shady Habr, starring Josyane Boulos and Mireille Panossian. Through a cleverly orchestrated situation, Aal Arbiin explores the hidden cracks beneath polished social appearances. The play promises a heartfelt performance where laughter meets truth, capturing the invisible battles hidden beneath polished exteriors.

The story follows two women who meet during the 40-day memorial service for their late husbands. The church organizes the ceremonies for both the Hraoui and Sakakini families simultaneously. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, none of the family members attend, leaving the two widows to converse and gradually reveal their true selves—stripping away the social masks, especially those worn by women. Beneath the lighthearted tone, the play promises an evening rich in humor and deep emotion, carried by the vibrant chemistry between Josyane Boulos and Mireille Panossian.

When it came to casting, Shady Habr and Dimitri Melki had no doubts. Josyane Boulos was their immediate choice. "We chose Josyane Boulos without hesitation," the director explains. After witnessing the natural energy between Boulos and Panossian, he decided to pair them onstage: "Their dynamic was so obvious that I knew they had to perform together."

In the role of Marie-Louise Hraoui, Josyane Boulos was immediately drawn to the script’s unique tone. What captivated her was "the blend of offbeat humor and deep truths about our society." She describes her character, full of eccentricity, as "an incredible playground" and adds, "I immediately wanted to see how far I could push the exaggeration while staying truthful."

An actress who enjoys working with a wide range of directors, Josyane Boulos sees this variety as an endless source of artistic curiosity: "What makes me curious is precisely the diversity of visions and sensitivities. Working with different directors is like entering a new world each time, with its own codes, priorities, and language." She notes that some directors focus on "raw emotion," others on "movement or rhythm," challenging her to "adapt" and "step outside of her comfort zone." This diversity, she says, "sharpens my instrument, broadens my range," and most importantly, "keeps me from falling into repetition." Staying alive onstage, she concludes, "means always being in motion."

Though often associated with comedy, Josyane Boulos openly admits her preference for the genre. "Of course, I’ve performed sad scenes and shed tears onstage, but making the audience laugh is a blessing and an incomparable source of energy," she explains. She enjoys weaving serious moments into comedies because "it gives characters extra depth and allows for a richer performance." Still, she acknowledges that performing in a pure tragedy from beginning to end "isn’t really my nature." Her energy, sensitivity, and artistic journey naturally guide her toward comedy. "It’s in joy, irony, and humor that I feel most alive on stage—and that’s what I love sharing with the audience," she concludes.

For Mireille Panossian, sharing the stage with Josyane Boulos is a real joy. "Performing with an actress so positive, funny, intelligent, and passionate about theater is an immense pleasure for me," she says. Even though it’s their first collaboration, "a rare harmony quickly took hold between us," she notes enthusiastically. Panossian is thrilled to have the opportunity to perform alongside Boulos and to experience "what I’m sure will be an exceptional theatrical journey."

Dark comedy, as a genre, fits Mireille Panossian perfectly. "For me, dark comedy is the best way to express pain with humor," she shares. She recalls that most of the plays she has written and directed have been "satirical and comedic." Working with Dimitri Melki’s script, Shady Habr’s direction, and alongside Josyane Boulos, she feels "completely in my element."

This new project also marks a turning point in Panossian’s career. "This experience is different," she confides. "The character I’m playing is very different from any I’ve played before." Taking on this role is "a new challenge," one she hopes to carry "with authenticity and professionalism." She looks forward to reconnecting with her audience, saying warmly, "My audience is waiting for me, and I can’t wait to see them and give them everything I’ve got."