The play “The Word No” is currently being performed at Erbil’s School Activities Hall, featuring a cast of actors who dedicated nine months to preparation. The script evolved through daily rehearsals, with the actors actively contributing to both writing and directing under the guidance of director Siddiq Hussein.
The cast includes Karmand Khidr, Ziyad Karim, Nawaz Mohammed, Peshawa Mohammed, and Bland Kawa, who bring the story to life in a one-and-a-half-hour performance.
Actor Ziyad Karim reflected on the production: “We are fully prepared artistically and physically, though naturally a bit anxious. After eight to nine months of hard work, we have just an hour and a half to showcase everything we’ve accomplished. Yet, there’s a wonderful feeling in seeing the audience enjoy it. Theatre is irreplaceable—it continues to influence every era and society. For us, it is both a passion and a responsibility.”
Karim also explained the SAT theatrical approach behind the play: “SAT is not just a group; it’s a unique style where the actor is central. Director Siddiq Hussein acts as an observer and mediator between the text and the performance, guiding actors to connect their own personalities with the characters they portray.”
The production highlights a collaborative and experimental approach to Kurdish theatre, emphasizing both artistic dedication and the cultural importance of live performance.
