Egyptian director and artist Dr. Nour Abouhassab has completed filming 46 poems by poet and novelist Mohamed Abd El-Wanis for the "Ma' Wanees" program. This artistic project transforms stories of loss, longing, and friendship into visually engaging scenes that combine poetic recitation with integrated direction. The collaboration is an extension of their previous work, which began when Abouhassab was drawn to Abd El-Wanis' poetry recitation style and elevated it to a cinematic visual treatment.
The first season of "Ma' Wanees" featured 15 poems, including "Sadiq Al-Omr," "Al-Kalima Sif," "Qaleel Al-Asl," and "Ashan Gheiruk." The program has now expanded to include new works prepared for seasons two through five. Abouhassab's directing philosophy involves using visual elements to complement and translate poetic emotions. He believes that every element in the scene, from camera movement and lighting to music and body language, should serve the emotions conveyed by the poet.
Abouhassab's approach to directing poetry requires building meaning through performance details. He notes that emotions like sadness are conveyed through eye expressions, body posture, and sitting style, while joyful moments require a different kinetic rhythm. The transition between scenes also plays a crucial role in guiding the viewer's attention to the poem's emotional charge. Abouhassab's diverse artistic experience, including acting, music, and directing, informs his vision for the program.
Mohamed Abd El-Wanis' poetry, featured in "Ma' Wanees," often explores themes of social connection, love, and human relationships. He says that his work allows for genuine expression of emotions like longing, friendship, and loss, resonating with audiences of all ages. Abd El-Wanis began writing after leaving his village in Egypt to move to Australia at the age of 20. His experiences with distance and nostalgia inspired his first writings, and he has continued to write poetry and novels for over 20 years.
Abd El-Wanis' literary works include around 10 novels, 3 poetry collections, and over 150 poems. His notable works include poetry collections like "Al-Bidayah Wa Al-Nihayah," "Al-Kalima Sif," and "Min Yashteri Al-Ghurba," as well as his four-part novel "Al-Ashirah." His experiences living and working abroad have given him a broad perspective on human relationships and situations, influencing his writing and allowing him to reflect on life from a different perspective.
The poems featured in "Ma' Wanees" reveal a strong connection between Abd El-Wanis' life experiences and his writing. For example, his poem "Sadiq Al-Omr" was written for a close friend, highlighting their noble actions and mutual understanding during joyful and difficult times. Abd El-Wanis values the human relationships that inspire his work, which often explores the complexities of life, love, and connections.
The artistic collaboration between Abouhassab and Abd El-Wanis brings a unique perspective to Egyptian poetry and drama. By combining visual storytelling with poetic recitation, "Ma' Wanees" offers a fresh and engaging way to experience and understand the complexities of human emotions and relationships. The program's success demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary artistic collaboration and its potential to reach new audiences.
Key points
- The "Ma' Wanees" program transforms poetry into visually engaging scenes that explore themes of love, loss, and human connection.
- Egyptian artists Dr. Nour Abouhassab and Mohamed Abd El-Wanis collaborate to bring poetry to life through visual storytelling.
- The program features 46 poems, exploring themes of social connection, love, and human relationships.
