Culture and Art
Wael Abu Ghazaleh retires from art and reveals the reasons behind his shocking decision
Palestinian-Syrian artist Wael Abu Ghazaleh has announced his final retirement from art, criticizing the artistic community and what he described as "pretenders to culture" and their detachment from reality. Learn more.
A shocking announcement ends an artistic career
In a surprising move, Palestinian-Syrian artist Wael Abu Ghazaleh announced his complete and final retirement from art and acting, bringing his artistic career to a close through a series of candid posts on his official Facebook page. The decision was not merely a quiet withdrawal, but was accompanied by sharp criticism of the artistic community of which he had been a part for years.
Who is Wael Abu Ghazaleh?
Wael Abu Ghazaleh began his artistic career in singing, lending his voice to the theme songs of several popular Syrian television series in the late 1990s and early 2000s, such as "Hanaa and Jameel," "Banat Akrikouz," and "Qillat Thawq wa Katrat Ghalaba." Later, he transitioned to acting, and perhaps his most memorable role for the Arab audience is that of "Abu Ahmad" in the fourth season of the popular series "Bab Al-Hara," considered one of the most important dramas in the history of Arab television.
Reasons for retirement: detachment from reality and the "illusion of heroism"
Abu Ghazaleh didn't hesitate to reveal the reasons that led him to make this decisive decision. He described his experience in acting as a "complete detachment from reality," believing that working in an artistic environment filled with what he called "pretenders to culture suffering from a split personality" forces the actor to become part of this contradiction in order to survive. He pointed out that the real tragedy lies in the actor falling into the "illusion of heroism" off-screen once he achieves some success, thus losing touch with real life. He definitively settled his position, announcing his "irrevocable" retirement, and emphasizing that humanitarian professions, and art in particular, can only flourish within civilized and conscious societies.
Broader context: Syrian drama between yesterday and today
Abu Ghazaleh's decision comes amidst profound transformations in Syrian drama, once considered the Arab world's foremost soft power. After decades of pioneering work and producing timeless pieces that boldly addressed social, political, and historical issues, the sector has been severely impacted by the crisis that has gripped the country since 2011. These circumstances have led to the emigration of a large number of artists and technicians, changes in filming locations, and a noticeable decline in the quality of scripts and productions. This new reality has imposed significant psychological and professional challenges on artists, and the sense of alienation Abu Ghazaleh spoke of may well reflect these challenges, which many face in silence.
The impact and implications of the decision
An artist's retirement due to disillusionment with their work environment is not merely a personal decision; it carries deeper implications. It opens the door to a crucial discussion about the work environment in the arts, the credibility of the message art conveys, and the complex relationship between fame and reality. Abu Ghazaleh's decision may inspire others to reassess their paths, and it offers the public a more realistic view of the behind-the-scenes workings of the drama industry, which has long been associated in their minds with glamour and stardom.
Culture and Art
Ahmed Saad praises the Saudi audience and releases two new songs
Artist Ahmed Saad expresses his love for Saudi Arabia after his concert in Riyadh Season, and releases the songs 'Let's Stay Here' and 'Sheftchi', continuing his artistic successes in the region.
Egyptian artist Ahmed Saad expressed his deep gratitude and affection for the Saudi audience, emphasizing that they are among his most supportive fans outside of Egypt. This heartfelt statement came during his appearance on the program "Arab Wood," following the remarkable success of his recent concert as part of Riyadh Season. He sincerely said, "Saudi Arabia holds a special place in my heart," reflecting the strong bond he shares with his fans in the Kingdom.
Cultural and historical context: Egyptian art at the heart of Saudi Arabia
Saad's statements cannot be separated from the broader context of the cultural transformations taking place in Saudi Arabia, which fall under the ambitious Vision 2030. Riyadh Season has become a global platform attracting leading artists from across the Arab world and beyond, reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a leading regional hub for entertainment and culture. The participation of Egyptian artists of Ahmed Saad's stature deepens the historical artistic ties between the two countries, as Egyptian art, with its music and cinema, has always been an integral part of the cultural consciousness in the Arabian Gulf. This significant presence of Egyptian artists today not only represents a continuation of this legacy but also embodies a new era of flourishing artistic collaboration.
The importance of the event and its regional impact
The success of concerts by Ahmed Saad and other stars in Saudi Arabia transcends mere entertainment; it contributes to strengthening the soft power of both countries and creates a bridge for direct cultural exchange between artists and their audiences. Locally, these events satisfy the Saudi public's thirst for world-class entertainment options right on their own soil. Regionally, these concerts solidify Riyadh's position as a capital of Arab art, attracting tourists and enthusiasts from neighboring countries, which positively impacts the economy and tourism and enhances Arab cultural exchange.
New artistic releases coinciding with success
Alongside his busy concert schedule, Ahmed Saad continues to strengthen his presence on the music scene with new releases. He recently released his new song "Khalina Hena" (Let's Stay Here), the official song of the El Gouna Film Festival, on his YouTube channel and various music platforms. He promoted it on his Instagram account, writing: "Let's stay here... Let's stay here... Let's all celebrate together.".
In recent days, he also released the song "Sheftshi," the second single from his new album "Bestahbal." The song features lyrics by Menna El-Qai'i, music by Ahmed Tarek Yehia, and musical arrangement by Ahmed Tarek Yehia, Gawdat, and Namrawi. Hani Mahrous handled the mixing, and Mazen Murad was responsible for the mastering. These consecutive releases reflect Saad's tireless artistic activity, as he capitalizes on his popular success to offer diverse works that cater to the tastes of his fans everywhere.
Culture and Art
The Diary of a Married Man series: Ibrahim Al-Hajjaj returns this Ramadan
Ibrahim Al-Hajjaj returns in Ramadan with the series “Diary of a Married Man,” the second part of “A Spinster Man,” showcasing the challenges of married life and family housing in a comedic format.
A highly anticipated return this Ramadan season
Comedian Ibrahim Al-Hajjaj returns to television screens this Ramadan season with the second installment of his hit series, "Diary of a Single Man." The new season, titled "Diary of a Married Man," continues the comedic journey of his beloved character, Abdullah, taking him from the world of bachelorhood and the challenges of finding a life partner to the daily demands of married life.
Background to success: From "spinster" to "married man"
The first season of "Diary of a Single Man" achieved remarkable popular success last Ramadan, offering a fresh and different perspective on marriage from a man's point of view. This broke the stereotypical image often portrayed in Gulf dramas, which typically focus on women in this context. This success contributed to building a large fan base eagerly anticipating Abdullah's fate after he left bachelorhood, thus raising expectations for the second season.
New challenges in the world of married couples
In "Diary of a Married Man," the narrative takes a completely new turn. Abdullah marries Arwa (Aida Al-Qasai), but finds himself obliged to live with her in his family home, alongside his parents. From here, comedic situations unfold, drawing their details from everyday life in Gulf and Arab society. The series satirically addresses sensitive topics close to the audience's heart, such as the challenges of family living, the financial pressures faced by newlyweds, the generation gap, the boundaries of privacy, and the attempt to balance the demands of a wife, family, and friends.
The importance and social impact of work
The work's significance lies in its ability to shed light on real social issues that concern a wide segment of young people in the region. The issue of living with parents after marriage remains a reality for many, with the challenges this entails regarding independence. The series presents these challenges within a light comedic framework, making it more accessible and impactful, and opening the door to societal discussion about these phenomena. The work also reflects the development of the Saudi drama industry, which has become bolder in addressing its social realities with a contemporary artistic style that resonates with the concerns of the younger generation.
Team and Hero's Vision
The series stars Ibrahim Al-Hajjaj alongside a distinguished cast including Aida Al-Qasai, Fatima Al-Sharif, Saeed Saleh, Reem Safia, Mohammed Al-Qahtani, Fatoun Al-Jarallah, Hakim Jumaa, Faisal Al-Dukhi, and Nawaf Al-Shubaili, under the direction of Abdulrahman Al-Salman. Al-Hajjaj described the transformation in Abdullah's character as a true test of responsibility, stating in media interviews: "Responsibilities grow, and with them, demands increase. A person changes after marriage because they go through a phase of psychological and intellectual growth, and this is what we will witness in Abdullah's new journey." He added that the secret to the first season's success lay in "the audience's connection with the story and characters," emphasizing that the new season will present deeper dramatic threads as Abdullah's world expands to include his wife's family, adding new dimensions and challenges to the narrative.
Culture and Art
The film "Take Care of Yourself" starring Ahmed El Sakka and Yasmine Abdel Aziz has been postponed until the summer
Director Moataz El-Touny announced the postponement of filming the movie “Take Care of Yourself” which brings together stars Ahmed El-Sakka and Yasmine Abdel Aziz due to her being busy with a Ramadan series.
A postponement is expected in the world of Egyptian cinema
Prominent Egyptian director Moataz El-Touny announced the postponement of filming the remaining scenes of his new movie, "Take Care of Yourself," which marks the long-awaited reunion of box-office stars Ahmed El-Sakka and Yasmine Abdel Aziz. Filming has been postponed until next March, which will consequently push the film's release date from Eid al-Fitr to the summer season.
Yasmine Abdel Aziz is busy with the Ramadan drama marathon
The main reason for this postponement is the professional commitments of star Yasmine Abdel Aziz, who is currently participating in the Ramadan drama season by filming her series "We Forget What Was." The Ramadan season in Egypt and the Arab world is considered the peak period for television production, with major stars dedicating themselves to participating in dramas that achieve record viewership. This makes it difficult to coordinate filming schedules for both movies and series simultaneously. The filmmakers preferred to give the lead actress ample time to focus on her drama project to ensure the quality of both.
The importance of the return of the duo El Sakka and Abdel Aziz
This film holds special significance for Egyptian and Arab audiences, as it reunites Ahmed El Sakka and Yasmine Abdel Aziz after a long hiatus from working together. The two stars have previously formed a successful duo, producing memorable works that remain etched in viewers' memories, thus raising expectations for this new project, which relies heavily on their strong on-screen chemistry. This collaboration is a significant artistic event in itself and is expected to draw a wide audience of fans to theaters.
Strategic shift towards the summer season
Although the postponement may seem like disappointing news to eager audiences, moving the release date to the summer season could be a wise strategic move. The summer film season is one of the most important and longest commercial seasons, giving the film a greater chance to generate substantial revenue, away from the fierce competition typically seen during the Eid al-Fitr season, which is saturated with numerous strong films. This postponement gives the film more breathing room at the box office and ensures a sufficient promotional and marketing campaign before its release.
Film crew
The film "Take Care of Yourself" boasts a stellar cast alongside Ahmed El Sakka and Yasmine Abdel Aziz, including the renowned actress Laila Elwi, Mohamed Radwan, and Mostafa Abou Serie, in addition to numerous guest stars and international actors, promising a rich and diverse cinematic experience. Written by Sherif El Leithy and directed by Moataz El Touny, known for his distinctive comedic touch in many of his successful works, the film suggests a comedic action style.
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