ON Sundays they pray, while the sound of the church bells blends with the Christian hymns. On Fridays they pray, while the muaezzin says ‘Allahu Akbar', summoning the Muslims to prayer. In this small Upper Egyptian village, it's difficult to distinguish between Muslim and Christian. It seems that they have dissolved into each other to form a united society. This is the main theme of Khalti Safia wel Deir (My Aunt Safia and the Monastery), a play directed by Mohamed Morsi. The play is an adaptation by Hamdi Zeidan of the novel of the same name, written by Bahaa Taher, an Egyptian writer born in 1935 in Cairo. In 2000, Taher was awarded the prestigious Italian Guiseppe Acerbi Prize for this widely acclaimed novel. “I've used a famous novel like Khalti Safia wel Deir to promote the unity of Egyptians,” says Morsi. The play starts with a chorus singing the songs that accompany Christian rituals. Then, a little later, the same chorus listens to the azzan (the call to prayer), a Muslim ritual. By this transformation, the director stresses that these people are one. “The relation between Muslims and Christians and the mosque and church is quite apparent in my play. You'll feel that the sheikh and the monks are the same. That's because they're Egyptians,” Morsi adds. “The novel reflects many things today, although it was written in 1991.” The play, which is told through the eyes of Safia's nephew, is a great insight into the familial relations of this particular Egyptian family, and the whole plot is launched by a weird love story between Safia and Harbi. Safia and Harbi are brought up in the Upper Egyptian village. Love finds its way into their pure little hearts as they play together as children. The passage of years makes Safia feel that she is Harbi's beloved and their marriage is imminent. However, Harbi doesn't care for her. He visits her in her home and suggests to her family that she marry the most respectable man in the village. Egyptian actress Sabrine is marvellous as Safia. She's doing really well, bearing in mind that she's been away from theatre for about 10 years. Although Safia marries the consul, she's shocked by Harbi's attitude and never forgives him; indeed, she decides to get her revenge. A few months pass then Safia became pregnant. At that time a bad friend of Harbi warns the consul that Harbi is going to kill the baby, in order, somehow, to get his hands on all the consul's wealth. Although Harbi has been previously portrayed in a successful series by Egyptian actor Mamdouh Abdel-Aleem, who was impressive in this role, Hisham Abdullah is very convincing also. Many critics have been speaking highly of his strong voice and the professional way he tackles the character of Harbi. “In my opinion, Harbi doesn't leave Safia easily. But it's the consul who has brought him up and deep inside himself Harbi sees that the consul is his destiny and he must serve him, even if it is to his own detriment,” the director explains. After the consul orders his villagers to beat him with a whip, Harbi feels insulted and shoots the consul dead. It's the second great shock for Safia and she insists on getting her revenge on Harbi, who goes and hides in a monastery. Safia bears a son, whom she raises determined to avenge his father. Veteran Egyptian actor Salah Rashwan plays the consul and his portrayal, is very creative. “Working with great actors is a very good experience for me. We sat down and talked about the play. They listened to my views and liked the work and let me handle all the details,” explains Morsi, 30. Morsi graduated first from the Faculty of Physical Education and then his love for theatre prompted him to enrol in the Theatre Department, Faculty of Arts, Alexandria. Morsi, who had directed about 45 plays, has been working in theatre for 16 years, both acting and directing. The décor of the play, by designer Hoda el-Sagini, is very well done. There are three different sets on stage: the monastery, Safia's home and the consul's palace. The director has also been very resourceful, cleverly using the stage lighting to portray the train station and the mosque, without having to change the décor. The play Khalti Safia wel Dair, is being performed every evening at 9:30 at the Miami Theatre, Talaat Harb St. (02/2574-5651) downtown. It stresses the spirit of tolerance between Muslims and Christians.
