Zuhair Nubani:I expect an Arab Renaissance

Jordanian actor Zuhair Nubani has criticised those responsible for advancing the artistic movement, the most important part being played by the "Artists Association"  due to the lack of managerial and financial experience. In an interview with 'Arabstoday', he said: Q. Where are you after 40 years of acting?  A. I am here in the Arab artistic scene. My television shows are still broadcast on Jordanian and Arab satellite channels. Q. Did you participate with the "Artists Association" in the funeral march of the Jordanian artist? How do you see its response? A. Yes, I did, although I was not satisfied with the way it was presented, as Art and the artist never die. Regarding the reactions, Jordan's King Abdullah expressed his regret for the conditions of the artistic movement and asked the concerned officials to take care of that, yet nothing changed. Q. Is there anybody in Jordan responsible for the Jordanian artist and the hard conditions they are living in? A. There are several responsible for the advancement of the artistic movement, however, they do not play the required role. Q. You have presented several prominent works influencing the artistic scene, did your rich experience provide you and your family with a decent life and a comfortable future? A. I thank God, I am better than anybody else, however, in comparison with my works, I would say, unfortunately, that it did not provide me with a comfortable future. Q. In 1973, you starred with Syrian actor Duraid Laham in the "Ghawar Al-Toushi" play. After all these years, what would you say about the Laham's opinion regarding his opposition to the Syrian Revolution? A. Duraid Laham is a talented prominent artist, however, concerning his attitude, I would say if he could not express his opinion regarding the victory of the humanitarian issue due to his fear, he should rather be silent. Q. How do you see the future of the Arab Spring revolutions? A. Me and the people of my generation were brought up dreaming of freedom, justice, unity, and democracy and we've waited for that a long time. However I am optimistic and expecting a great Arab Renaissance to come soon. Q. In 1969, you performed on the stage of the Jordan University's "Al-Ashgar Tamout wakefa" (Trees Die Standing), after all these years, do you still believe that trees actually die standing? A. Yes, I still believe that. Trees are inside everybody through the food it provides him. Trees may die physically, but their influence is still alive. Q. Why did you apologise for working with the actor Adel Imam in the "Band Naji Atallah" serial airing next Ramadan? A. I do not like the content and the theme of the serial, it is illogical and "fabricated" and might serve hidden agendas. It might also be offensive for focal Arab issues and revolutionary national symbols. Q. What are you going to present next? A. I am working on more television and theatrical projects, but, I am still looking for finance, the important of which are a TV serial called " Shorfat El Aar" (Shame Balcony) and a drama "Hal Al- Donia" (This Is Life) for Syrian writer Mamdouh Adwan. I am also preparing to revive my dream of founding a daily theatre for children and adults.