Second Rahbani generation brings Summer 840 back to the stage

By Nohad Topalian in Beirut
For Al-Shorfa.com
2010-02-17

[Joe Faddoul] Summer 840 is being performed at the Lebanon Casino Theater.

The play Summer 840 opened last week at the Lebanon Casino Theater in homage to the late artist Mansour Rahbani.

This is the second such tribute following last summer's Byblos International Festival, and it also marks the first anniversary of Rahbani's passing on January 13, 2009.

The play, written and composed in 1987 by Rahbani, was his first after the passing of his brother Assy.

Summer 840 in its current rendition reflects some artistic changes as well as changes in faces and décor while preserving the integrity of the original script. It displays innovative directorial vision and new technology with the signature of the second Rahbani generation, Mansour's brother Elias and his children Marwan, Ghadi and Osama.

The play brings together a collection of Lebanese artists to tell the story of Ammiyat Antelias in 1840. Leaders from all Lebanese sects swore on June 7, 1840 before St Elie's altar in Antelias to unite against Emir Bachir II, who was allied with the Egyptians and the French. Mansour Rahbani's inspiration for the play was the historical legacy found in the town of Antelias. Weaving historical narrative with a view of the future, it is a beautiful love story between peasant rebel Sayf Elbahr (Ghassan Saliba) and Mira (Hiba Toji).

Hoda Haddad, who in 1987 played the role of Assaf El-Daher's daughter Mira, is replaced by rising actress Hiba Toji. Ghassan Saliba plays Sayf Elbahr for the third time.

Ghadi Rahbani says the play, which in its third rendition still draws Lebanese audiences, pays "tribute to Mansour because of its spirituality and depth. The hope is that the many works that he left, including scripts that are ready and those that need to be completed, make their way to being performed, though not at the present time."

Although Mansour's three children maintained the original script, Ghadi told Al-Shorfa that "technical innovation" changes were obvious in the third showing. At the forefront are re-recordings of the play's music and songs with a bigger orchestra. Instruments were added to the pieces to give them depth."

Ghadi added, "The changes also included the décor to suit a closed theater at Lebanon Casino. The former backdrop was intended for an open sky and sea theater in Jbeil. Other changes include redoing costumes, scenery, and choreography, specifically the dance performance."

In the play, Sayf Elbahr stood up against authorities cloaked in the guise of liberation and independence. Opposing those who suppressed the people's freedom, he sought liberation and called on the people to be strong and fight until death to achieve freedom.

Summer 840 has a tragic ending when Sayf Elbahr refuses to yield to prevailing circumstances, raises the flag and cries, "An invader has left and another has come. I will fight until all invaders leave our land." The play, like other Rahbani plays, contains national connotations and sheds light on the situation in Lebanon, where a cry for freedom and demand for rights have persisted throughout the ages.

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