On August 8, Beirut’s Le Monnot Theatre became the hub of young Lebanese talent as it hosted the inaugural Les Monnot d’Or awards.
Les Monnot d’Or awards evening at Le Monnot Theatre was a vivid celebration of creativity, perseverance, and theater’s transformative power, as it shone a spotlight on the exceptional work of students from the Lebanese University at the ACT – Le Monnot.
The top honor, Best Play, was awarded to the compelling N.23, directed by the talented Pia Khalil. Tony Farah delivered a gripping performance in the same play, earning him the Best Actor award, while Gaëlle al-Ayle captivated audiences in Dolores, directed by Carlos Antonios, winning Best Actress.
Technical excellence was also recognized with Johnny Ramia receiving Best Scenography for Rihlat Hanzala, and Ali Bleibel being honored with Best Light Creation for Electra, directed by Randa Doueihy.
In supporting roles, the talents of Ali Bleibel and Melissa Hojeij did not go unnoticed as they took home awards for Best Supporting Actor and Actress, respectively. Meanwhile, Joe Ramia was named Best Director for his work on Rihlat Hanzala, and Metamorphose, directed by Ghida Hokayem, won the accolade for Best Out of Le Monnot Play.
The night also highlighted Electra and The Father, which received runner-up awards. In an exciting development, the top three plays –N.23, The Father, and Electra– will be produced by Le Monnot Theatre, providing these talented artists with a platform to reach a wider audience.
Les Monnot d’Or awards are setting new standards in recognizing and nurturing young talent in Lebanese theater, ensuring a bright future for the cultural landscape. This vibrant community of young creatives is bringing new energy to the theater, infusing it with fresh ideas and perspectives that are essential for the evolution of cultural expression in Lebanon.
Josyane Boulos, who heads Le Monnot Theatre, views this wave of youthful innovation as crucial. She sees the theater not as a space for the elite, but as a vibrant hub accessible to all, reminiscent of Shakespearean times. With a producer’s instinct, she believes that when the theater is empty, there’s an opportunity to create events that bring people together, fostering a dynamic cultural environment.
The future of Lebanon’s cultural landscape is promising, thanks to the passion and creativity of this new generation of theater artists.
