Palestinian actor wins first prize in Tunis
Regional, Culture, 11/3/1997

Palestinian film and theater actor Mohammed Bakri won the first prize for his role in Death and the Maiden at the Cartego festival in Tunis that finished this weekend. The festival is held annually, alternating each year between film and theater. Plays from all around the world took part in the festival, one of the most important in the Arab world. Mohammed Bakri was sent with the play by the Palestinian Al Qasabah theater.

Bakri, originally from the village of Ba'neh near Acre in Israel, stayed in Tunis for nine days and it was the fourth time that he had participated in the festival - twice in film roles and the third time also as a representative of the Al Qasabah theater. Al Qasabah is located in East Jerusalem, and has been operating for 30 years. It is primarily funded by ticket sales.

³It¹s a great feeling when they recognize you abroad, and its an entry into the Arab world,² said Bakri upon his return to Jerusalem. He was asked how he felt being an Israeli in Tunis. His answer was: "I didn¹t go to Tunis as an Israeli, but as a Palestinian actor. The prize was given to a Palestinian actor who lives in Israel. I don¹t believe they would have accepted an Israeli in this festival. When Israel tries to participate in such festivals, there is a lot of opposition in the Arab world, especially from Egypt and Syria.²

The judges¹ panel included representatives from Italy, Belgium, Tunis, Syria and Morocco. Al Qasabah director George Ibrahim stressed there was no political impetus behind awarding Bakri the prize. ³The response to the play was excellent, the audience received him wonderfully. Bakri received the prize for his acting and for the many other plays he has been associated with. Its not a prize one gets for appearing in two plays, but for a recognized actor who has worked many years in the theater.²

Ibrahim translated and adapted the play Death and the Maiden. Written by Chilean playwright Ariel Dorfman, the original play deals with a stranger caught one night in a storm in the home of a married couple. The woman identifies the stranger as the doctor who tortured her when she was imprisoned for student activity 15 years earlier, and decides to take revenge. The festival also awards prizes to outstanding directors and playwrights. Lebanese director Roger Assaf received an award this year, as well as Syrian playwright Sa¹adallah Wanus.

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