In the play Pique-nique 3ala khtout el tamess by Raymond Gebara, directed by Julia Kassar, the Monnot Theater in Beirut is transformed into an arena where past and present clash, revealing the scars of a nation bruised by the Lebanese civil war. This artistic production offers a profound reflection on the absurdity of war and the persistent after-effects in the minds of Lebanese people. It also questions the conflicted nostalgia some hold for this tumultuous period.
Gebara’s work, written in 1997 and first brought to the stage in 1999 by Julia Kassar herself, has lost none of its relevance. Through poignant staging, Kassar revisits this text and sheds light on the absurdities and contradictions of a Lebanese society still marked by the stigmas of its belligerent past. The minimalist stage set suggests the physical and moral ruins of a torn country, where the normalization of violence and the blind loyalty to political party leaders remain burning issues.
The performance comes to life through the captivating performances of Jalal Marwan Al Chaar, Joseph Açaf, Jalal Chaar, Julien Chaaya and Maya Yammine el Khoury, the latter being the only woman in the group but whose dominant stage presence guides the narrative. Their interpretation, both tragic and imbued with biting irony, perfectly illustrates the duality of the Lebanese experience, oscillating between the tragedy of painful memories and the necessity of finding a humorous outlet to cope with the present.
The play addresses themes such as misogyny and unconditional allegiance to political figures. It thus reflects on the stagnant evolution of Lebanon since the 1990s. However, far from sinking into despair, Pique-nique 3ala khtout el tamess awakens a tenacious hope, as evidenced by the hearty applause that greets calls for reflection and enlightened patriotism at the end of each performance.
Despite its dark context, this drama is carried by a vital energy that encourages the audience to embrace the complexity of its history, while pushing them to laugh in the face of adversity. This emotional resonance, coupled with Kassar’s intuitive staging, creates a memorable theatrical experience that challenges spectators and urges them to contemplate the nuances of their own national identity.
Pique-nique 3ala khtout el tamess is a mirror held up to Lebanese society, reflecting the pains of the past while questioning the possibilities of a reconciled future. The play is performed at the Monnot Theater, Monday to Sunday at 8:30 PM, until March 17. Tickets are available at Antoine or directly at the theater. For more information, contact the Monnot Theater.
