THEY may remain anonymous, but voices of abused women are out in force in a bold one-act play by young female director and playwright Youssra el-Sharkawy and her small group of actresses, who have braved the law and social taboos in Egypt. Fi Saloon Madam Eman (In Madam Eman's Salon) is a collection of eight stories of women grappling with rape, gender discrimination, religion, family, espousal betrayal, spinsterhood, social injustice and economic problems. The play is one of a number of theatrical initiatives written by Youssra, an experienced journalist who works for this newspaper. "The idea for this play came to me when I was at the hairdresser's, where women can talk freely about themselves, revealing their personal secrets," says Youssra, who frankly questions women's status in society. One story is about a woman struggling to reconcile herself in a male dominated society, where she regrets her gender, while another also speaks of the difficulties of dealing with society. There is also the story of the betrayed wife, a role played by Hala, who takes pains to doll up her husband's second wife before their wedding night. Often silenced and marginalised by society and overshadowed by the media, Madam Eman's other women find sympathy with the Egyptian audience, who feel especially sorry for Rahma, the rape victim, and two sisters who dream of finding husbands. One of these women, played by Mariam Reda, seeks consolation in a virtual world, as real society makes it very difficult for her to fulfill her dream of getting married and having children. The stories of these women are personal, compelling and often painful. But Madam Eman, a role played by Youssra herself, and her characters excel in playing difficult roles that come together to protest against abuse and shattered dreams. Madam Eman's characters do have a certain dream, which is symbolised in a bride, a role played by Marmar, wearing a wedding dress. But this bride, who ends the show in a funeral-like procession, is not happy, because of the pain and suffering of these women. Mariam Rafaat, the show's executive producer, says difficult social circumstances compel Madam Eman's women to live a double life, with Rahma (‘Mercy' in Arabic) being raped as a young child. Youssra's play and her characters, led by Rahma (effectively played by Salwa Aref), bring a powerful new meaning to solidarity, understanding, and grassroots activism for helping abused and oppressed women, whose stories need to be heard. In a way, the journey of these stories is similar to the stories themselves. They have come out of the closet, thanks to Youssra and “In Madam Eman's Salon”
