The size of the loss revealed itself during a conversation, in which it was also revealed that so many Arab TV shows are not available in English, making them inaccessible to non-Arabic speakers. This sense of loss was aggravated by the knowledge that one show by the great director Mamdoh Hamade (ممدوح حمادة) called “Bags or pack your bags” is one of these numerous shows that are not available in any other language but Arabic. If i were to depict the show in one word i would opt for sardonic. And just to be sure that my use of the word “sardonic” is accurate I shall entertain an elaboration of the sense is this series “sardonic”. It deals with the daily events of a typical Syrian family who is still living in Damascus., with all its nuances, fears, terror, laughter, and the rendering of what would be a daily encounter to a representation of factions, confrontations and wars. For example, at the end of episode 7, a group of men comprised of neighbors and family are huddled around the father, Khalil, to console him for the loss of his old son, Salam (which means Peace in Arabic), whose shirt they found drenched in blood. The squared yard is surrounded by the rooms that the house holds in its old Ottoman style, its open roof has caused anxiety for Fidaa, the oldest sister, and the fear of snipers for the oldest brother, Aadel. Yet, it is still open and is still receiving the drops of rain in the winter to house them in the underground well and to water the plants of basil, mint, and parsley. At some point, the mom, Faihaa, darts into the open yard where the men had gathered from the living room where the women huddled, and she screams saying “kidnapped, he is kidnapped. Khalil, your son is not dead, he is kidnapped” and the men are elated. Khalil receives the shower of congratulations and “mabrooks” from the crowd around. The women trilling joyously that their son is kidnapped. For a moment the world freezes: a world where women and men are celebrating the fact that their son is kidnapped. They are not sure who are the kidnappers: the rebels, which include a whole variety like ISIS, Al Nasra.. or the regime.
The dad, Khalil, which means a good friend, is a frugal man who has few aspirations for the future. He is not involved in politics as his sons are. He discovers that his life is absurd but he avoids this confrontation with absurdity with the daily grind of holding onto life. Even his relationship with his wife proves to be flimsy and not built on love. In a last attempt to hold onto life, he goes on. The mother, Faihaa, which means the spacious open land (Damascus has been called Fahaa), is a strong woman of faith and family values. I see in her the historical Syria that does want to leave Syria. It is desperate to convince all the family to stay in Damascus. She provides hope and strength. The older brother, Aadel, which means the just one, expresses some hints that he supports the regime, while the younger brother, Radwan, which comes from the root “to be satisfied”, expresses his support for opposition through his passionate playing on the Oud and his endless singing of patriotic songs. The oldest sister, Fidaa, which means sacrifice, has been widowed recently and she has developed this habit of putting a tray on her haid whenever she passes through the yard for fear of bombs dropping, as if this antique bronze tray will keep her alive. In addition, she has been garnering a dream of what life would be in the west after they leave Syria: open streets, open roads, freedom, independence and love for life. The second sister makes little appearance, while the youngest daughter, Yasmeen, which means Jasmine, is a sensitive soul that is longing for liberation. I see in her the zeal and passion of the youth that is dying to build the new progressive Syria.
On a last note, I will leave you with the intro song of this series, which is amazingly beautiful.
AICHA BINT YUSIF 