1. Home
2. Culture
3. Anjo Rihane to Strike Again with 'Mjadara Hamra' at Casino du Liban

Anjo Rihane returns to the stage in the one-woman play Mjadara Hamra, written and directed by Yahya Jaber. Scheduled for February 1, 2025, at Casino du Liban, this powerful performance promises an unforgettable evening of theatrical brilliance. The actress shares her experience with This Is Beirut.

Renowned actress Anjo Rihane takes center stage again in the one-woman theatrical masterpiece Mjadara Hamra. Written and directed by the acclaimed Yahya Jaber, the play promises a captivating evening of storytelling and raw emotion. Scheduled for February 1, 2025, at 8:30 PM, this highly anticipated performance will be held at the Casino du Liban. In an interview with This Is Beirut, she shares her passionate stage experience.

Anjo Rihane won the Best Actress award for her exceptional performance in Mjadara Hamra, where she portrays multiple women with vivid complexity. On stage alone, she gives voice to silent or oppressed women, embodying their distinct movements, emotions, and stories. From a divorced editor in Paris to a 43-year-old widow seeking love, she delves into lives shaped by tradition and resilience. The play is a poignant mix of comedy and tragedy, set against a domestic backdrop, reflecting the shared struggles of women in the region. Anjo Rihane’s ability to captivate the audience for one hour and forty-five minutes, effortlessly transitioning between characters, leaves a lasting impression.

Interview Highlights

What does it feel like to perform the same role over and over again? What is the audience’s role each time?

For me, theater is the mirror of nations. To truly understand a country’s culture, you must go to its theater. Especially with the rise of social media, theater has regained its appeal, with more people seeking live performances. There’s an undeniable magic in seeing actors perform in person, generating empathy and connection. Theater offers an atmosphere unlike any other—audiences are fully immersed, disconnected from their phones, and focused entirely on the performers.

Do you consider Mjadara Hamra a vital experience? In what ways?

Theater has always reflected the conscience of a nation, capturing the realities of its people. In Mjadara Hamra, I’ve performed nearly 400 shows, and no two performances have ever been the same. Each audience brings its own energy and perspective, shaping the experience for everyone. The play draws its essence from Lebanese society, addressing the struggles and triumphs of its people, allowing the audience to see themselves and their stories reflected on stage.

As an actress, how do you dissociate yourself from a character you’ve played so many times?

A script achieves excellence when it’s meticulously written and developed over time. Mjadara Hamra took a year to complete with Yahya Jaber, with countless revisions and careful character development. Each character is crafted with unique traits and emotions, making them authentic and relatable. Reprising this play feels like reliving a deeply personal journey every time. Initially, just like every actor, I was nervous on stage, but over time, I began to savor each moment and interaction with the audience. The play has become an intrinsic part of my body and soul.

What’s your message to young Lebanese actors?

I encourage young artists to immerse themselves in the world of theater. It’s a space for creativity, learning, and limitless imagination. Theater allows stories to come alive, inviting the audience to envision characters and settings in their unique way. Unlike cinema, which defines the setting and visual details, it fosters a connection where the audience’s imagination plays an active role.