Madaba – A cultural seminar titled “Madaba’s Stones Bear Witness to the Birth of Jordanian Theatre” sparked extensive discussion about the early roots of Jordanian theatre, Madaba’s role in hosting its early experiments, and the figures and experiences that enriched the theatrical scene and helped shape its early features.
اضافة اعلان
The seminar was held at the Young Women’s Christian Association Hall in Madaba, in cooperation with the Jordanian Writers Association, under the patronage of Senator Dr. Amjad Al-Jumaiyan. It was attended by Senator Mohammad Al-Azaydeh, former MP Abdulqader Al-Azaydeh, as well as members of the local community, writers, intellectuals, and those interested in theatre and cultural affairs.
The seminar revisited an aspect of the history of Jordanian theatre through Madaba, one of the cities that witnessed early interaction between education, culture, and the arts. Its social environment, educational institutions, and cultural organizations provided space for theatrical activity that gradually began to take shape before expanding into broader and more organized stages across the Kingdom.
The seminar highlighted that discussing theatre in Madaba cannot be separated from the development of the city’s cultural life. Over the decades, Madaba hosted diverse literary, artistic, and educational experiences and helped produce figures who established a presence in Jordan’s cultural and artistic scene.
The seminar was moderated by novelist and media professional Nawal Al-Qassar, who stressed the importance of such gatherings in reopening chapters of Jordan’s cultural and artistic history and revisiting the early experiences that laid the foundations for what followed.
Al-Qassar said literary and cultural gatherings are not limited to presenting information. Rather, they create space for dialogue between generations and help bring attention to figures and experiences that may not receive sufficient recognition in the cultural scene. She called for expanding research and documentation to include cities and governorates that played a role in shaping Jordan’s cultural and artistic movement.
She added that revisiting Madaba’s theatrical experience is particularly significant because it was closely connected to education and society and formed part of the cultural activity that characterized the city. She stressed that documenting local theatre opens the door to a broader reading of the history of Jordanian theatre and gives younger generations an opportunity to learn about the pioneers and experiences that preceded them.
The seminar’s patron, Senator Dr. Amjad Al-Jumaiyan, said recalling the history of theatre in Madaba sheds new light on a city that had an early presence in Jordan’s cultural and artistic life. He noted that theatre was connected to education, culture, and the development of awareness, while providing young people with space for expression, participation, and discovering their talents.
He added that theatre in its early stages was not an activity separate from society. Rather, it emerged within an interconnected educational, cultural, and social environment. He stressed that examining this period helps explain the circumstances that contributed to the emergence and development of Jordan’s theatrical movement.
Al-Jumaiyan highlighted the experience of scholar Rكس bin Zayed Al-Azizi, describing it as one of the important milestones in the history of theatre in Madaba. He referred to the early theatrical experience associated with Al-Azizi at the Latin Monastery Theatre in the city, noting that revisiting such experiences reveals the deep roots of theatrical and cultural activity in the governorate.
For his part, Dr. Ali Ahmad Al-Shawabkeh, a member of the board of the Jordanian Writers Association, director, and poet, said Madaba is among the Jordanian cities that made an early contribution to the development of theatre.
He noted that the experience of scholar Rكس bin Zayed Al-Azizi represents a key milestone in understanding the early beginnings of Jordanian theatre.
He explained that the first Jordanian play was presented at the Latin Monastery Theatre in Madaba and was written and performed by Al-Azizi. He said the experience demonstrates the early presence of theatrical activity in the city and highlights the relationship that developed between theatre, education, and the institutions that provided students and young people with space for expression and performance.
Al-Shawabkeh said the significance of this experience lies not only in its place as an early historical milestone, but also in the fact that it reflects an awareness of theatre as a means of expression and education, as well as the ability of Madaba’s residents to engage with the arts and stage theatrical productions during the early years of the Jordanian state.
He added that Madaba’s contribution to theatre did not stop with its early experiences, but continued through successive generations of artists who maintained their presence in theatre and the arts both inside Jordan and abroad. This, he said, confirms that the city was not merely a passing chapter in the history of theatre, but a source whose contribution has continued over time.
Al-Shawabkeh also highlighted the names of more than 50 artists from Madaba who studied and performed on local, Arab, and international stages, including internationally known artist Nabil Saleh. He said these figures represent an extension of an artistic and cultural path that began early and enriched Jordan’s theatrical scene through experiences and contributions spanning generations.
Meanwhile, Dr. Joyce Al-Rai, a professor in the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Jordan, reviewed the history of Jordanian theatre since the 1920s. She traced the development of the theatrical movement over nearly a century and examined the transformations in theatrical writing, production, performance, and directing.
Al-Rai noted that the beginnings of Jordanian theatre were closely linked to education and educational institutions, which provided early spaces for acting, performances, and talent discovery. She stressed that theatre was not separate from the social and cultural transformations Jordan experienced.
She explained that Jordan’s theatrical movement was shaped through the accumulation of various experiences, initiatives, and figures. The transition from school performances and early experiments to specialized theatrical groups and institutions took place gradually, eventually leading to a more mature and expansive theatrical experience.
Shadia Haddad, president of the Young Women’s Christian Association in Madaba, welcomed the attendees and stressed the importance of hosting literary and cultural events that create opportunities for dialogue about the city’s history and the contributions of its people, while supporting cultural activity in the governorate.
She noted that the association is committed to organizing activities addressing cultural and social issues and providing writers, intellectuals, and researchers with a space to meet and exchange ideas. She also emphasized the importance of cooperation with cultural institutions in developing programs that highlight Madaba’s history and creative heritage.
At the conclusion of the seminar, participants stressed the importance of continuing research into and documentation of the history of theatre in Madaba, including its pioneers, artists, performances, and the venues that hosted its development. They also called for collecting photographs, documents, and archival materials that could contribute to writing a more comprehensive history of theatre in the city.
Resource: Al-Ghad. Reportinh: Ahmad Al-Shawabkeh
