The Prophet: A monologue with live music based on the writings of Lebanese-American philosopher Khalil Gibran

Invited weeks ago, before last week’ s massacre in Israel ,to view this monologue with scintillating live and traditional Lebanese music, this theater lover could not help asking himself if perhaps he was on Friday, opening evening (13 October 2023) at the inappropriate place during these difficult times in the Middle East.

But, on the contrary, despite the unpredictable ongoing current bellicose conflict, there is still much to learn from the writings of this renowned Lebanese -American artist and philosopher Khalil Gibran (Bsharri, Lebanon ,1883- New York City,1931) whose centennial is currently being celebrated internationally.

Imaginatively directed by Brazil´s Luiz Antonio Rocha (TV Globo’s “Two Brothers’ by Milton Hatoum) and notably embellished by body movement directed by Hannah Perez, the monologue is an entertaining spectacle.

Lebanese singer-actor and classical Arab music researcher Sami Bordokan is the Prophet and his brother William accompanies him, performing traditional Lebanese instruments including the Lute, Derbak(percussion), Nay flute and rabab (small lute) and a traditional western high-hat cymbal, or Hawa (used for their vibrations rather crash as in western music).

The monologue by Helena Blavatsky and Lucia Helena Galvao was successful in its Sao Paulo and Belo Horizonte runs and officially will be until 29 October at Rio´s Teatro Fashion Mall (Sao Conrado).

“The spectacle reminds me of my youth in a small village in the north of Lebanon, Miniara, in the Spring morning colored by the almond flower and fresh mountain breezes of cypress trees which illuminate the light of hope which can possibly make me into a better man,” says Sami.

Thoughts for this epoch of endless wars!

Based on Gibran´s writings, the twelve poetic essays fill the monologue with the beauty of ideas about what happens between birth and death exploring timeless including writings, the, joy, sadness, death, among other themes.

The lighting design is by Ricardo Fukii and scenery and costumes by Uruguay´s artist Eduardo Albini.

A refreshing evening from these turbulent times!