More Than a Stage: Lebanon’s Theaters Become Havens

The air in Tyre crackled with a tension far removed from the usual bustle of the coastal city. Families, displaced by the recent conflict, wandered the streets with anxious faces and weary steps. But amidst the chaos, a beacon of hope emerged – the Lebanese National Theater. Its doors, usually open to art and entertainment, were now flung wide for those seeking refuge and solace.

Inside, the atmosphere hummed with a different kind of energy. Children, their eyes still reflecting the trauma they had witnessed, were drawn into a world of vibrant colors and playful stories. Youth, grappling with the uncertainty of their future, found a channel for their emotions through workshops led by passionate volunteers from the Tiro Association for the Arts.

Kassem Istanbouli, the driving force behind this sanctuary, surveyed the scene with a mixture of sadness and determination. “Our theaters cannot remain silent while our people suffer,” he declared. “This is cultural resistance! We will not let war steal the spirits of our children.”

The Tiro Association, a group of young and enthusiastic volunteers, had already breathed life back into forgotten cultural spaces across Lebanon. The Hamra Cinema, the Stars Cinema in Nabatieh, the Rivoli in Tyre – all had been rescued from decay and transformed into vibrant hubs of creativity. Now, their mission took on a new urgency, providing a safe haven and a source of healing for those scarred by conflict.

With the support of the Swiss Drosos Foundation, the theater screened films that transported children to fantastical worlds, offered workshops that nurtured their creativity, and fostered connections with international festivals that broadened their horizons. Even the magic of cinema was extended to those with visual and hearing impairments, ensuring that everyone could find solace and expression through art.

From the Lebanon International Theater Festival to the Tyre International Music Festival, the association celebrated the resilience of the human spirit through a kaleidoscope of artistic endeavors. Storytelling, fine arts, monodrama, contemporary dance – all found a home within the walls of the revitalized theaters. In the face of adversity, the “Free Lebanese National Theater” stood tall, a testament to the power of art to heal, inspire, and unite.