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Bernadette Houdeib emerges as a theatrical powerhouse in Magma, a play penned and directed by Issam Bou Khaled, featuring her as its sole performer. This dynamic duo captivates an eager audience, already fond of the artists, through a meticulously crafted narrative, text, scenography and performance. Following its acclaimed debut on January 25, after seven months of diligent preparation, the play’s run at Tournesol Theatre has been extended for one final weekend, until February 11, 2024, due to its overwhelming success.
Magma, as its name suggests, symbolizes a fiery turmoil, poised to erupt from a volcano at any moment. “Just like this magma, the woman I portray awaits the opportune moment to explode, to breathe and to burn. Yet, her voice remains unheard, her anxiety reaches a peak, and her obsessions suffocate her,” Bernadette Houdeib shares. In Magma, she embodies a woman in her entirety. “This play mirrors the anxiety of every Lebanese citizen, especially throughout the recent tumultuous years,” she continues. “The woman incessantly contemplates the events that have shaken her country, including, among others, the explosion at the port of Beirut. Magma is a socio-political and economic outcry, crafted within a tragically comedic framework. It also resonates deeply with me, having personally endured racism in my youth due to the differing skin colors of my parents. The character bears a striking resemblance to me in many aspects. Similarly to myself, she abstains from drinking water.” Indeed, Bernadette habitually carries a flask of tea with her, both in life and backstage.
Actor and director Issam Bou Khaled demonstrates, through his creations, a rebellious and innovative spirit, coupled with remarkable talent. His unique philosophy, narrative and directorial approach, complemented by thoughtful scenography, earned him critical acclaim, leaving an indelible mark on our collective memory. “Take your fun seriously,” he often quips, underscoring his decision to collaborate with Bernadette Houdeib, a deliberate choice, given that no other actress could endure and transcend the extreme demands of his directorial vision and expertise in performance. On stage, she indeed appears ready to take a leap of faith, eyes wide shut.
The enigma of Bernadette Houdeib’s flawless acting might perplex the audience, which marvels at her consistent ability to draw upon a seemingly inexhaustible wellspring of interpretive strength for diverse roles. She professes comfort in both comedic and tragic genres, a range she attributes not just to extensive training and accumulated experience but to a natural propensity for nuanced performance. “I disdain frivolous comedy, the kind that seeks laughter without conveying a message. I favor situational humor,” she states.
Her innate talent shines as her foremost asset. Bernadette Houdeib recalls the first time she stepped onto a stage at school as the most exhilarating day of her life, a siren call to the theatrical realm she could not ignore. That moment laid the foundation for her childhood dream, academic diligence and professional discipline.
Facing stage fright with invincible poise, Houdeib admits, “I am always afraid,” showcasing the humility of a seasoned actress. This particular play, devoid of dialogue exchanges, presents unique challenges. “Normally, I perspire profusely before making an entrance. For this production, I experience tingling sensations and become immobilized, feeling my heart pounding and struggling to find my voice. Yet, as the curtain rises and the light shines upon me, I make my first move and immerse myself into the magma.” Thus, she navigates the stage as effortlessly as a fish in water. Before delving into Bernadette Houdeib’s passion for acting, it is imperative to acknowledge her humanity. She won the Best Actress award in Tunisia for the play Trio, and for Arkhabeel in Cairo, both plays directed by Issam Bou Khaled. She also profoundly moved audiences in the film Lamma Hekyit Mariam alongside Talal Jurdi, and received 5 Best Actress awards for the same role in Paris, Oman, Egypt, Tunisia and Lebanon. Role after role, Bernadette Houdeib has consistently triumphed, eliciting tears and laughter from her audience. Beyond her stage persona, she infuses each character with genuine human depth, prioritizing this authenticity over any egotistical inclinations. Her collaborations with Issam Bou Khaled, her life partner and husband who she met at university, reveal the complexities of their professional relationship. “Working with him is exceedingly challenging,” she confesses. “He is incredibly demanding as a director. The rehearsals are arduous, as is his script, which has matured significantly over time. He pays meticulous attention to every word, syllable and breath to achieve the desired outcome. He pushes me to my limits in order to get the best of my acting skills. Each time, I vow it will be our last collaboration due to the intensity of the rehearsals… but witnessing the final result and the audience’s gratifying response reaffirms that it is undoubtedly worth the effort.”
This steadfast dedication to artistic excellence underscores the intrinsic value of witnessing a performance directed by Issam Bou Khaled featuring Bernadette Houdeib, a veritable force of nature on stage. Their collaboration transcends the conventional actor-director dynamic, delving into the depths of human emotion and societal critique through the medium of theatre. Magma showcases Bernadette Houdeib’s versatile acting prowess and serves as a poignant commentary on the struggles and resilience of the Lebanese people amid socio-political upheaval.
Bernadette Houdeib’s ability to embody her character’s multifaceted nature, juxtaposed with her personal narrative of overcoming adversity, enriches the play’s thematic complexity. Her portrayal is a testament to the power of theatre as a reflective mirror of society, where personal and collective narratives intertwine to evoke a spectrum of emotional responses from the audience.
The synergy between Bernadette Houdeib and Issam Bou Khaled, rooted in mutual respect and creative ambition, elevates Magma to a remarkable theatrical experience. Their shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of narrative and performance invites the audience into a visceral exploration of identity, resistance and transformation. Through Magma, they challenge the audience to confront the volatility of human existence, much like the unpredictable eruptions of a volcano, with courage and introspection, offering a transformative experience that resonates long after the curtain falls.
Instagram: @mariechristine.tayah
