Al Hakawati (The Storyteller) - Al Hakawati (The Storyteller) - A Theatrical Phenomenon & Important Element of the Intangible Syrian Heritage

In order to correct the common misconception that “The art of the Storyteller appeared with the Ottoman Empire”, we must first learn about the history of this art, at least in the Arab World and particularly in Syria. In general, theatrical phenomena, in their expressive sense, existed since the beginning of civilization, and they were represented by religious rituals. This art form evolved, becoming a job in which one must be characterized by certain qualities, such as a unique personality, the ability to impress and convince, and to have an arsenal of knowledge etc… (The preacher).

If we are to compare this kind of work to its current form today, we find that it’s similar to single-performer theater (Monodrama). Storytelling is a theatrical phenomenon in which Al Hakawati (The Storyteller) carries all the elements of showmanship, represented by:

• Entertainment, mesmerization & fun.
• Conveying a sublime message.
• Having the skill to move the viewer’s emotions, immersing them in an alternate world.
• The audience: which is in direct contact with the Storyteller. Through their reactions and emotional expression to the storyteller, the experience is enhanced.

The Storyteller is the narrator and the actor, narrating the written script while acting in every sense of the word. Storytellers move us from one character to another by alternating their personas between each character, shifting their voice, movement, and rhythm. As an individual with a magnetic, compelling personality, the storyteller is also a skilled performer perfecting the art of imitation and impacting listeners’ with their wit and wide knowledge of poetry, events and proverbs.

The space in which such work is expressed is also integral. Ever since the Ottoman era in Syria (1516-1918), the Storyteller has always had a corner in every cafe prepped with all the tools they may require. However, throughout history, preachers and storytellers took to public squares among poets, some even conducted and performed maqams (melodic modes in traditional Arabic music). With the emergence and spread of Islam, such gatherings often took place behind mosques.

Typically, stories revolve around tales and stories preserved from the past. They were either historical events or events that had occurred with influential figures like Caliphs/rulers, as well as mystical stories, or unique performances that are improvised from imagination that often aim to deliver an important message to the community, such as moral values. They may also be very symbolic, as the Storyteller inspires a symbolic embodiment of a human quality from an animal, for example.

Nowadays in Damascus, there is only one Hakawati or Storyteller left, at the Al-Nofara cafe in Old Damascus, where the profession of storytelling was passed on through generations. However, the reality is that Storytelling, a precious traditional art form, requires our care as it begins to fade away. As a community, awareness should be spread, or initiatives could be taken to attempt to enhance or update scripts, providing new ways to perform and express while, more importantly, granting our talented women access to perform in this male-dominated space.