A bold and provocative play tackling domestic violence and women’s rights in Bahrain has premiered, commemorating the pearl jubilee of one of Bahrain’s oldest theatres. Tears were shed in the audience as ‘Harakiri,’ an original Bahraini show portraying sensitive issues and shedding light on hidden victims, took to the 30-year-old theatre’s stage this week.
As part of Al-Sawari Theater's celebration of World Theater Day and the 30th anniversary of its founding, the theater will present the play "Harakiri" written and directed by Hussein Abdulali, from March 29th to 31st at the Bahrain Cultural Hall. The play features performances by the artist Basil Hussain, the artist Dana Al Salem, the artist Mahmoud Al Safar, the artist Afnan Al Marbati, with scenography by Hussein Abdulali and Mahmoud Al Safar, lighting by Ali Hussain Mirza, stage management by Ali Al Shalala, production supervision by Mahmoud Al Safar, artistic contribution by Hussein Al Mubashar, and poster design by Hussein Abdulali.
The play revolves around a pivotal juncture in the life of a girl besieged by difficulties, with social media exacerbating her isolation from the world. She seeks refuge in a hotel known for isolation, where she meets one of the hotel workers and begins to narrate her story. Through her story, the play highlights the most prominent rights of women, their suffering from the deprivation of their freedom, marginalization, and persecution.
As part of the celebration, Al-Sawari will also honor its founders, along with an exhibition depicting the chronological development of the theater, in addition to a documentary film and a booklet recounting the story of Al-Sawari over 30 years, as well as an intellectual conference.
