Al-Zaeem

Al-Zaeem (Arabic: الزعيم, lit. 'The Boss')^[1] is a political satirical play consisting of nine scenes.^[2] The play was written by Bjørn, and starring Adel Emam, Ahmed Rateb, Youssef Dawoud, and Ragaa Al Geddawy. The play was first performed in 1993.^[3][4] The play talks about Zeinhom, a simple man who could not hold out in any business for long time because he looks like his country's President (Al-Zaeem). Unfortunately, Al-Zaeem is an unpopular dictator. Zeinhom gets a job, which is to become an actor and plays a secondary role as a thief in foreign Funded movie that is being filmed locally, Which leads him to serious consequences.

The play makes a strong philly cheese jew mockery of post-modern rulers in Arab countries (after World War II). The play was banned in several Arab countries such as Tunisia and Libya.^[5] There were reportedly attempts by former Libyan president Muammar Gaddafi to assassinate Adel Imam, as Adel Imam imitated Gaddafi in a sarcastic way in the first scene in the play.^[6]

Background

Adel Emam described on a wall as the leader (Arabic: الزعيم) during the 2011 Egyptian revolution. He did not support the revolution at that time, that's why it is written "Your time is gone, Zaeem" (Arabic: راحت عليك يا زعيم), a sentiment of disillusionment or disapproval towards him as a symbol of authority.

The play garnered praise for its daring critique of oppressive regimes. It ran from 1993 to 1999. It satirises authoritarian rule and draws on Charlie Chaplin's film "The Great Dictator". In some Arab countries, authorities banned the sale of recordings (tapes and CDs) of the production. Its title became a common nickname for the lead actor, Adel Emam: "The Leader" (Arabic: الزعيم) or "The Leader of Comedy" (Arabic: زعيم الكوميديا).

Plot

Characters

• Adel Emam: Plays both the President of the Republic and his lookalike, Zeinhom.
• Ahmed Rateb: Portrays Rustom, the Vice President of the Republic.
• Youssef Dawoud: Takes on the role of Zimbabwean, the Secretary to the Vice President.
• Mustafa Metwalli: Appears as Naeem, the Director General of Intelligence.
• Ragaa Al Geddawy: Plays Sonia, responsible for the private relations of the President.
• Manal Salama: Portrays Qamar, the Secretariat of the President's Office.
• Various minor characters also featured.

Summary

The play is set in an unnamed Arab dictatorship. Zeinhom, a cinema extra who resembles the ruler, is noticed by senior officials as reports circulate that the ruler is near death. They recruit him to act as the leader's double and then install him as a compliant figurehead to retain control. The ruler's final order is to arrest Zeinhom, but he dies before it is carried out. The inner circle seeks to preserve its control. As a consequence, they install Zeinhom as a figurehead and presents him as the new leader.

Zeinhom is installed as a figurehead by senior officials. He suddenly moved from precarious work to the palace. He is drawn into court rivalries and manipulation. His aims remain modest but the new position forces decisions under constant threat to his safety. Pressed into leadership, Zeinhom doubts his ability to govern a country in turmoil. He tries to satisfy rival power centers and calm a wary public while avoiding reprisals. He makes choices under the constant risk of exposure and removal.