After the success of the drama “My Lady Anna”.. Dalia El Behairy is waiting to act in the drama “The King and I”.
Dalia El-Behairy is preparing for her new play, “The King and I.” This musical comedy-drama, directed by Mohsen Rizk, tells the story of a king from the island of Sayan. The king seeks help from an English school to teach his daughter, Yasmin. This leads to a clash between the school’s culture and that of the king’s children.
The play is inspired by the memoir of Analionwin. It features set design by Dr. Hamdi Attia, costumes by Dr. Marwa Odeh, and music by Issam Karika. Poetry and graphics are created by Adel Salama, while John Baha is responsible for additional production.
Dalia El-Behairy will perform alongside a group of artists and eleven children who will portray the king’s sons.
What are the key themes explored in “The King and I” that resonate with today’s society?
Interview with Dalia El-Behairy: The Vision Behind “The King and I”
NewsDirectory3: Dalia, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. You’re gearing up for the opening of “The King and I.” Can you share what drew you to this particular play?
Dalia El-Behairy: Thank you for having me. “The King and I” is a deeply compelling story that blends humor with poignant cultural intersections. The narrative, inspired by the memoir of Analionwin, invites audiences to explore themes of family, education, and the disparity between Western and Eastern cultures. It is an insightful piece that resonates with today’s society, making it a project I am excited to be a part of.
NewsDirectory3: The play centers around a king seeking educational help for his daughter, Yasmin. What challenges does this narrative present in terms of cultural differences?
Dalia El-Behairy: The clash of cultures forms the heart of the story. The king’s children are raised in a certain tradition, and when they are introduced to the structured, sometimes rigid, education style of the English school, tensions arise. This dynamic creates both conflict and comedy, leading to moments of realization and growth for both sides.
NewsDirectory3: You’re collaborating with Mohsen Rizk as the director. How has his vision influenced your performance?
Dalia El-Behairy: Mohsen is an incredible director with a unique artistic vision. His ability to draw out layers of emotion allows me to explore my character in depth. He encourages improvisation and spontaneity, which enriches the portrayal of Yasmin and her relationship with her father and the school.
NewsDirectory3: This production features an impressive creative team, including Dr. Hamdi Attia for set design and Dr. Marwa Odeh for costumes. How do their contributions enhance the overall experience?
Dalia El-Behairy: The set and costumes play crucial roles in immersing the audience in the world of the play. Dr. Attia’s set design captures the essence of the island of Sayan, making it a vibrant space that reflects the royal culture. Dr. Odeh’s costumes are stunning and help tell the story visually, bringing authenticity to our characters. Together, they create an environment that allows the audience to fully engage with the narrative.
NewsDirectory3: You mentioned previously being part of “My Lady Anna.” How does “The King and I” compare to your last production?
Dalia El-Behairy: Each production is a unique journey. “My Lady Anna” was a powerful experience that explored personal and social themes, while “The King and I” offers a lighter, more comedic approach while still touching upon significant cultural dialogues. The challenge of playing different characters in varying contexts is what keeps me energized and motivated as an artist.
NewsDirectory3: You’re performing alongside a group of artists and eleven children. How has the collaboration with the younger cast influenced your approach to this role?
Dalia El-Behairy: Working with children is a joy and a learning experience. Their innate energy and passion for performance bring a certain freshness to the production, making every rehearsal an adventure. They’ve also reminded me of the importance of playfulness and sincerity in acting, which I strive to reflect in my portrayal of Yasmin.
NewsDirectory3: what is your hope for the audience after they experience “The King and I”?
Dalia El-Behairy: I hope the audience leaves feeling entertained but also thoughtful about the differences and similarities that define our cultures. My dream is for them to see the beauty in embracing those differences and perhaps even find common ground where they least expect it. Theatre is a powerful medium for this kind of dialogue, and I believe “The King and I” will spark those important conversations.
NewsDirectory3: Thank you, Dalia. We look forward to seeing “The King and I” come to life!
Dalia El-Behairy: Thank you for your support! I can’t wait for everyone to see it.
“The King and I” follows Dalia’s success in “My Lady Anna,” which included performances by Nidal El-Shafi’i, Farid El-Naqrashi, Mohammad Dessouki, and Amina Salem. In “My Lady Anna,” Dr. Hamdi Attia handled props, Dr. Marwa Odeh designed costumes, and Mahmoud Talat managed music and cinematography. Mostafa Hagg directed the show design, and Iz Helmi handled lighting. Mohsen Rizk directed the entire production.