• In its original form it focused on the young soldier Franz Woyzeck. In Resuscitation Theatre’s version, Al Khayef is a young labourer who lives a miserable existence sweeping the streets in an unnamed Arab country and running errands for a business executive.
    In its original form it focused on the young soldier Franz Woyzeck. In Resuscitation Theatre’s version, Al Khayef is a young labourer who lives a miserable existence sweeping the streets in an unnamed Arab country and running errands for a business executive.
  • When he suspects his wife is ­being unfaithful, his life begins to unravel. The female lead, originally called Margaret, is now called Lulu, which means “pearl” in ­Arabic.
    When he suspects his wife is ­being unfaithful, his life begins to unravel. The female lead, originally called Margaret, is now called Lulu, which means “pearl” in ­Arabic.
  • Al Khayef is being put on by the theatre group in conjunction with the Emirates Writers Union and the Goethe-Institut. The latter works in the UAE to promote the German language and culture.
    Al Khayef is being put on by the theatre group in conjunction with the Emirates Writers Union and the Goethe-Institut. The latter works in the UAE to promote the German language and culture.
  • The Emirates Writers Union, supporting Emirati writing talent, is also involved, holding a competition for Emirati and international artists to contribute a painting, drawing or sculpture inspired by the themes in Woyzeck – Al Khayef. The best works will be displayed in and around the performances.
    The Emirates Writers Union, supporting Emirati writing talent, is also involved, holding a competition for Emirati and international artists to contribute a painting, drawing or sculpture inspired by the themes in Woyzeck – Al Khayef. The best works will be displayed in and around the performances.
  • Maggie Hannan, the founder of the theatre group and artistic director of Al Khayef, the adaptation, says it is important for the group to not simply “import” art, but to try to create something that not only blends with the local culture but also leaves a legacy.
    Maggie Hannan, the founder of the theatre group and artistic director of Al Khayef, the adaptation, says it is important for the group to not simply “import” art, but to try to create something that not only blends with the local culture but also leaves a legacy.

In pictures: Resuscitation Theatre’s Woyzeck – Al Khayef

James Ohara

June 12, 2014

  • English
  • Arabic

George Buchner's stage play Woyzeck has all the elements of a good story. The Resuscitation Theatre group, in Abu Dhabi, are taking on an "Arabicised" version of the work, adapted to fit with today's culture and trends. All photos by Victor Besa for The National.

On StageAbu Dhabi