Performing Arts in Lebanon
FROM SCRIPT TO STAGE
behind the scenes
Known for its arts and entertainment industry, Lebanon has been the “go to” hot spot for decades. Whether you enjoy letting loose on the dance floor, enjoying the vibrating beats from famous singers, musicians and DJs or attending cultural theatrical productions on the stage of the old Roman temples of Baalbek, Lebanon is sure to impress. Internationals flock to Lebanon just to experience unforgettable nights as those.
Meet a Pioneer
of the Lebanese performing Arts…
George Kfoury, a brilliant soul who worked with a team of talented individuals, back in the early 1960s, helped pave the way for the Baalbek Festival. Today it has grown into an international spectacular, hosting some of the most legendary musicians, artists and casts from all over the world. It is a platform that merges east and west together to provide its guests with a colorful spirit on one stage every summer.
Let’s take it back before the festival, before the glitz and glamor of it all. We begin with a young creative ambitious 12-year-old boy, in a small village located in the mountains just up the dusty dirt road from Zahle, a village known as Kaa El Rim. George started his creative writings at a young age when he wrote his first piece. His imagination continued to paint his mind with ideas and stories even through his high school years when he wrote a play called, “Al Shale El Laylaki”. This story, taken place in a folklore village, about two friends falling in love with the same woman went on to win a prestigious award, “Adele Akl”. This award was given by the late famous Lebanese writer and poet, Said Akl in honor of his mother Adele.
“I just close my eyes &
let my imagination do the work.”
Not much a believer in finding inspiration, George starts his writings off by just simply closing his eyes and allowing his imagination to do the work. Sometimes people may get inspired by others or speaking to others. For George he finds that allowing your mind to float into a creative abyss is the way to start a story. Let your mind paint you a story and see where it goes. “Once I have it painted in my mind I get to work with a piece of paper and pen to jot down the ideas and organize them into a story line. Some of my writings can vary in time, it may take me a week or two or a few months to complete a story or poem.”
“First I think about it...Then,I close my eyes and imagine everything, making the story come alive in my mind.”
-Director Georges Kfoury-
Zahle,Lebanon
1964
From Paper + Pen,
to lights Camera Action!
As a teenager George had a dream of making it to the big stage and performing with famous artists of the 1950s. When he was about 16 years old he taught dabke, a traditional folklore dance, and was spotted by a woman, Badeaa Jarrar, from the Baalbek Festival who invited him to come join them. That performance is where he got his first break and found his dream come true. George was asked to choreograph the show.
From there he went onto writing songs, plays and directing productions with the most legendary Lebanese singers of their times; Nasri Shamseddine, Feirouz, Wadih Al Safi, Sabah, Hoda, the Rahbani brothers, Filimon Wehbe, Marwan Mahfouz and Georgette Sayigh. Georges’ productions have seen stages all across Lebanon; Beirut, Jabal Libnan (Mount Lebanon), Zahle, Baalbek and his hometown Kaa El Rim. He’s worked with talents Najwa Karam and Nicola Osta leading actors in the 1983 production of Draj al Waad, a play about the Lebanese resistance during the civil war. George’s work has also seen stages outside of Lebanon where he directed and produced in Syria and Egypt.
A Dream Come True…
PERFORMING AT THE BAALBECK FESTIVAL + arab world conference
Dawalib lHawa
Baalbek Festival, 1965
Nassri Shamseddine, Sabah, Felemon Wehbi, Mansour Rahbani, Joseph Nassif + Georges Kfoury (left on top row)
Dawalib lHawa
Baalbek Festival, 1965
Hoda, Sabah, Elie Choueiry, Siham Chammas
Baalbek festival, 1965
Georges Kfoury (top Left) + supporting cast members
Ministers of Foreign Affairs
Arab World Conference 1963
Georges Kfoury (right) + dance group perform traditional Lebanese folklore dance.
Chtaura, Park Hotel, Lebanon
Writing and dance is my passion…
Never loose your passion.
Today George continues to write and direct plays working with young talented creatives on the stage. This summer we celebrate his achievements and give great thanks to his dedication of inspiring young minds with his retirement of 55 wonderful years in the classroom. His wish for his students and for all is to never lose your passion; to never give up. Always push forward, remain creative and be successful at whatever you do. The more you push yourself, the more you learn about yourself and the capabilities you embody. There are endless opportunities in the world, choose something that you are passionate about and own it. No matter how high you reach, go for it. Allow yourself to transform into the greatness that you’re meant to be and never lose your passion.
awarded
the 2000
Cairo radio
festival
#1 writer
IN THE ARAB WORLD.
order Your Copy!
George Kfoury’s collection of poetry writings
Mawane’ Al Noujoum
Description: A collection of poems written about the various regions and events in Lebanon.
Language Text: Formal Arabic
Sallat Ayad
Description: A collection of romantic style poems that were written during his youth days.
Language Text: Lebanese Arabic
Listen to the sounds of Lebanon!
the 2020 summer live performance from baalbek
This year the Baalbek International Summer Festival invites you to take part in this special event right from your home. Watch below to see this spectacular performance by the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra and the choirs of Antonine University, Notre Dame and Qolo Atiqo. Directed and conducted by Harout Fazlian. (Fwd to 13.13 to watch concert.)