Body Guard, Adel Imam's latest play, which is showing in Dubai this weekend, has been running for 11 years, but this is not exceptional for the most famous comedian in the Arab world.
Imam's other plays, including Sayed Al Shaghal and Al Zaeem, were also shown for over a decade each.
Each of Imam's plays had its share of glory, yet, almost no other play created the same kind of stir as Body Guard. Although the play's theme and story are not new, the way people all over the Arab world reacted to the play was significant.
The play did not come with a warning, but it was obvious that it contained adult-only material. The language and some of the scenes were not meant for children, although children were admitted to the play.
Body Guard, which talks about corruption in the world of business, was meant to convey a message, but the lengthy educational speeches did not help. A whole scene showing the conversion of Satan worshippers, for example, seems out of place.
There is also the court scene, which is quite familiar for anyone who saw Shahed Ma Shafsh Haga, one of Imam's oldest plays. Some critics noted that the scene was lifted from the older play and said the only difference between the two was the added swear words. Some even went as far as describing the play as a cocktail of Imam's other plays.
Imam's ever inflating ego did not help either. The actor refuses to pose with fans, or even for the media, because "he did not like to be photographed". He also never talks to the press, and does not say much at the few press conferences he holds.
Banned
In Jordan, members of parliament went as far as demanding that Imam be banned from ever entering the country, because he treats his fans and members of the media with disrespect.
In a famous incident, an elderly woman yelled at Imam when he paused during a performance, because he saw someone holding a camera.
Imam simply stopped the play for over half an hour until the offender was found and taken out, which prompted the woman to question his respect of his fans and loudly accuse him of being disrespectful.
Imam's fans in Dubai will get a chance to live the experience and see the veteran actor in action on May 24, 25 and 26 at Al Mamzar Theatre.
Adel Iman's best plays
Madrasat Al Mushaghibeen (School of Mischief)
Shahed Ma Shafsh Haga (A Witness Who Saw Nothing)
Al Wad Sayed Al Shaghal (Sayed The Servant)
Al Zaeem (The Leader)
