Hikmat Muhsin
Popular Plays
SIDE A
- Saiyaret Al Afandi (Effendi's Car)
SIDE B
- Mukaddimat Muzee'a (A Broadcaster's Introduction)
Location Issued
Damascus, Syria
Artist Origin
Damascus, Syria
More Info
This cassette contains two plays, with the first titled Sayyarat Al Afandi and the second being Mukaddemat Muzee'a, which are among the rare plays by Syrian artist Hikmat Muhsin. Unfortunately, there is little information available to us about these works. Hikmat Muhsin (1910-1968) was a pioneering figure in Syrian dramatic arts. A versatile artist, he was an actor, storyteller, director, dramatist, and performer of zujjal. Born in Istanbul to Damascene parents, Mustafa bin Subhi Muhsin and Khairia Ashour, he is considered the founder of popular Syrian drama on radio, stage, and television. He created characters that remained iconic in Syrian society for decades, with his most famous being Abu Rushdi. He also brought to life other beloved figures, such as Abu Fahmi, Abu Sayyah, and Um Kamel. Muhsin gained fame after recording thirty episodes of the radio series Sunduk Al Hakaya with artist Tayseer Al Saadi for BBC Radio in Cyprus. He went on to produce numerous plays in Damascus and on the radio, such as Ya Mast'ajel Waqqef Laalk, Al Kersi Al Makhlou', Saber Afandi, and Beit Ll Ajar. For Damascus Radio, he also created over 800 episodes of socially critical dramas, including Al Khattabe, Taaieh Al Akhfaa, Mat'ab Afandi, and Taht Al Shbbak. Additionally, he produced a variety of heritage and entertainment programs. Hikmat Muhsin died at his home in Damascus in 1968.