Shebaik Lebaik: A Play and Folkloric Performance by Migrant Workers

Director
Zeina Daccache
Producer
Catharsis
Year
2016
Spoken
Arabic
Subtitle
English
Country
Lebanon
Length
78
Format
DVD
Off
Description

Not only is this theatrical performance different from the others, it is also the first of its kind to be presented to the Lebanese and Arab audiences. The actors are Migrant Workers and Migrant Domestic Workers residing in Lebanon, which is home to roughly 200 000 or more Migrant Workers who migrate to work from across Asia and Africa, and where racist and degrading treatment of Migrant Domestic Workers often takes place. Under the controversial "kafala" (sponsorship) system that Lebanon enforces and the lack of labor protection, they are left at the mercy of their employers and are often referred to simply as "servants" or "Sri Lankans," regardless of their nationality.

From the actors' personal stories, the play "Shebaik Lebaik" emerges as a result of 11 months of drama therapy work, highlighting their traditions, introducing their respective countries and voicing out messages from the migrant workers population to the Lebanese Society. They also express issues that the Kafil (Sponsor) faces under the Kafala system.

Filmed at AltCity in 2014-2015 during one of the live performances before a wide audience, "Shebaik Lebaik" constitutes a vehicle for the actors to ensure justice for Migrant Domestic Workers and employers, and to raise awareness among the general public. "Shebaik Lebaik" led to the cancellation of the circular number 1778 issued in October 2014, stating that Migrant Domestic Workers are not allowed to have romantic relationships on the Lebanese territory.