Negative criticism has begun early regarding the new television drama “Fi Hadrat Al Ghuyab” (In the presence of the absent), which tackles the life of the late legendary Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish. Criticism was focused on Syrian actor Firas Ibrahim, who played the role of Mahmoud, and it was said that his performance was not convincing and from the first few episodes it is evident that Firas is unable to depict Mahmoud’s true character. It was added that Mahmoud is known to be a tall and skinny man, whereas Firas is short and a little bit chubby.
The big shock came when Firas attempted to recite one of Mahmoud’s popular poems “Al Jadarieh” in the second episode of the drama. It was said that Firas’s reciting of the poem was a disgrace and lost all the beauty of the poem and its magic, which was a touch added by Mahmoud’s manner in reciting his poems.
On the same note, the Association of Mahmoud Darwish has released an official press release stating that it has nothing to do with the drama and considers it an insult to the late legend. The association has notified the makers of the drama about their opinion of the drama and their disappointment in the failure of making it depict Mahmoud’s greatness.
