Two titans of the Arabic screen and stage are being honoured by streaming platforms.
The Egyptian actress Soad Hosny and Kuwaiti comic giant Abdulhussain Abdulredha are having many of their key works streamed on OSN and Shahid, respectively.
Hosny, who passed away in 2001 at the age of 58 and was dubbed the “Cinderella of Arabic cinema” will receive her own pop-up channel on OSN, featuring up to 35 of her films.
Running until Friday, September 4, the channel features some of her most popular works, including 1966's Saghira Ala El Hob (Too Young to Love), a comedy musical in which she plays an aspiring actress who pretends to be 13 years old to win a coveted television role.
Also available is the 1972 romantic drama Khaly Balak Men Zouzou (Take Care of Zouzou) in which Hosny plays the title role of a student involved in a love triangle involving her professor, played by Hussein Fahmy.
For a more intense Hosny performance, check out 1967's Al Zawga Al Thaneya' (The Second Wife), a drama set in a village ruled by a corrupt and ruthless mayor.
Kuwaiti comedy with a message
For those looking for some of the best of Gulf theatre and drama, look no further than the work of Abdulredha.
Streaming on MBC’s Shahid online platform, under its paid subscription tier Shahid VIP, over 30 of the comic actor's key plays and series will be shown indefinitely.
In 1982's Bye Bye London, Abdulredha plays a Gulf tourist who on a trip to London is stunned by the excitement and liberal nature of the city. Also available is his last major performance, the 2014 television series Al Afour. The Ramadan comedy is a zany look at a large Kuwait family and the challenges caused by personality clashes and societal expectations.
For more details go to www.osn.com and shahid.mbc.net
