“Once Upon a Time”... Tackles Psychological Complexes in “The Transgressions Clinic”
The team behind the play “Marra Wahid Minon” continues to achieve success through its ongoing performances on the stage of the Kuwait Scouts Association in the Hawalli area, following its launch during the blessed Eid al-Adha season, amid large audience attendance and notable engagement with its storyline.
The play unfolds within a social-comedic framework that relies on the “live musical” style, blending musical performances, comedy, and drama into a format with humanistic dimensions. It addresses various social issues through an approach that combines entertainment with meaningful messages.
Al-Rai, while attending one of the performances, captured the atmosphere of the production, which stood out for its set design and the portraits of artists displayed throughout the venue, creating the impression of being inside the reception hall of a clinic. This visual experience prepared the audience to enter the world of the play before the events began.
The story starts at the “Al-Nors Clinic,” where several psychiatric patients reside, each with their own backstory, complexes, and personal narratives. As they suffer from the harshness of the doctor and her assistant during their treatment, the plot intensifies with the arrival of Inspector Louai, dispatched by the Ministry of Health to investigate repeated complaints alleging misconduct, corruption, and cruel practices within the clinic. As he delves into the characters’ lives, the narrative shifts to other themes, taking a more thrilling turn that combines comedy, human situations, and satirical tragedy.
The performance is distinguished by its fast pace and diverse scenes, alongside director Mohammed Jamal Al-Shatti’s visionary direction. He successfully presented the script written by Musab Al-Salem through a refined visual and kinetic style, supported by a notable ensemble cast performance. This contributed to highlighting the comedic, dramatic, and humanistic aspects of the play in a balanced manner, while maintaining the momentum of the events until the final scene.
The musical band also excelled in its presence within the storyline, providing live musical interludes in collaboration with the play’s actors, alongside performing the live soundtrack accompanying the events. This added further vitality and interaction, enhancing the performative character that distinguishes the production.
It is worth noting that “Marra Wahid Minon” is a joint production by Nawaf Al-Ali and Hiba Al-Dari, in cooperation with brothers Mishaal and Shamlan Al-Majed.
