Ep 1. Kuwaiti Theater Director Finds Modern Inspiration in Shakespeare

Kuwaiti Theater Director Finds Modern Inspiration in Shakespeare is the first episode of the Theater season 1. In this episode, we follow the journey of Kuwaiti theater director, Sulayman Al-Bassam, as he tries to create a modernized version of Shakespeare's classic play, Richard III. Al-Bassam aims to adapt the play to reflect the current political climate of the Middle East.

The episode starts by introducing Sulayman Al-Bassam, an accomplished theater director who has been performing Shakespeare's plays in Europe since the late 1990s. He explains his admiration for Shakespeare's works but also acknowledges that they do not always fit in with the cultural and political contexts of the Middle East. Al-Bassam is determined to adapt Shakespeare in a way that blends the traditional and the modern, as he believes that theater has a unique ability to reflect and speak to contemporary issues.

The episode then follows Al-Bassam as he begins rehearsals for his modernized version of Richard III, which he has titled Richard III: An Arab Tragedy. The play is set in an imaginary Arab country, where Shakespeare's characters are Arab leaders vying for power. Al-Bassam has also added modern elements to the play, including references to social media and contemporary political events.

Throughout the episode, we see Al-Bassam and his team of actors grappling with the complexities of the play's new setting and themes. They discuss the challenges of incorporating modern technology into Shakespeare's language and dealing with the sensitive political issues that the play touches on. Al-Bassam also reflects on his own experiences as a Kuwaiti artist who has lived through some of the region's most turbulent times.

The episode also features interviews with other theater professionals, including actress and director Fiona Shaw and Shakespeare scholar Jonathan Bate. They comment on the potential difficulties of updating Shakespeare's language and themes for contemporary audiences, but also praise Al-Bassam's efforts to create a relevant and gripping play.

As the rehearsals progress, tensions rise among the actors, as they struggle to find the right balance between respecting Shakespeare's original text and making the play relevant to modern audiences. Al-Bassam's direction is closely scrutinized, and some actors express concern about the tone and content of the play. Throughout it all, Al-Bassam remains focused on his vision, and he is determined to create a play that speaks to the Arab world's current political struggles.

The episode ends with a preview of the play's opening night, where Al-Bassam and his actors are met with a highly enthusiastic audience. After the performance, the cast discusses the success of the production and the challenges they faced in bringing it to life.

Overall, Kuwaiti Theater Director Finds Modern Inspiration in Shakespeare is a fascinating exploration of the process of adapting classic literature for modern audiences. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of theater and the creative process of a talented director who is trying to bring new life to one of the most revered playwrights in history.