Listen to the article

Born in 1935, famous Lebanese playwright and director Raymond Gebara passed away in 2015, leaving behind a solid Lebanese theater legacy for new generations to build on. From February 28 to April 7, Le Monnot theater honors Raymond Gebara with four of his plays, brought to life by four directors. This tribute celebrates Raymond Gebara’s enduring impact on the Lebanese theatrical landscape. 

Raymond Gebara was one of the country’s most renowned playwrights and directors. A pillar of the Lebanese theater, he acted in several dark comedies and dramas and was a critic of the country’s situation, which was also the source of his inspiration. He always dreamed of sharing his emotions through theater. He was known for having the right and sharp words. He was mostly led by his freedom of thought and his very own way of thinking. A professor of fine arts at the Lebanese University, Raymond Gebara worked with several actors, inspiring them by example, hard work and theatrical magic. In 2013, writer and director Nasri Brax released a feature documentary exploring the life and works of Raymond Gebara. This documentary is also a glimpse into the history of Lebanese theater in the last decades via archives and testimonies.

Tribute Program to Raymond Gebara  

Ta7t Riaayat Zakhour (Under the Patronage of Zakhour)

Directed by Gabriel Yammine

February 28 to March 8

In this play, Gabriel Yammine leads a cast of 16 actors, including Carlos Azar, Tarek Tamim, George Diab and Maria Doueihy, to delve into controversial themes that burdened the playwright. This production raises poignant discussions through its compelling narrative.

Pique-nique Aa Khtout El-Tames (Picnic on the Front Lines)

Directed by Julia Kassar

March 10 to 17

This play sees Joseph Issa, Jalal Marwan Al Shaar, Julian Cheia, Maya Yammine, Lynn Baawab and George Aoun revive this masterpiece inspired by Arrabal’s work. Originally penned and directed by Raymond Gebara in 1999, the play condemns the futility of wars, the killing of innocents and all forms of violence, making a powerful statement on the human condition.

Zardasht Sar Kalban (Zarathustra Became a Dog)

Directed by Antoine Ashkar

March 20 to 27

This play features Salma Shelbaye, Rami Atallah, Miran Malaeb, Antoine Ashkar and Joseph Sassin. Scheduled to play from March 20 to 27, it explores the dehumanization caused by the fear instilled by religious or military authorities. Gebara developed this theme in his play, written during the Lebanese Civil War, through four short satirical plays that push repetition to its limits.

Qandlaft Yasaad Ila As-Samaa (Qandilft Ascends to Heaven)

Directed by Rifaat Tarabieh

March 30 to April 7

In this dark comedy, Rifaat Tarabieh crafts a narrative around two naive friends who are convinced of their boundless acting talents. They fall for their neighbor, Lucia, and fear she might hinder their path to success. Inspired by Qandilft, the play unfolds with performances by Mohammad Hijazi, Tony Farah, Sam Badrini and Yara Zakhour, exploring themes of ambition, love and the quest for recognition.

This tribute to Raymond Gebara at Le Monnot invites audiences to reflect on the deep themes and innovative storytelling that characterized the artist’s career, showcasing the depth and diversity of Lebanese theater through the visions of four directors. As a key figure in the modern Lebanese theater movement, Gebara’s contributions extended beyond national boundaries, marking him as a legend of cultural, intellectual and artistic renaissance. His works, known for their blend of satire, dark humor, critique and ridicule, continue to resonate with audiences and critics alike.

Marie-Christine Tayah

Instagram: @mariechristine.tayah