Actress Hanady Mehanna has opened up about the biggest challenge she faces while taking part in the play “Khayal Mareed,” explaining that performing on stage and remembering her dialogue are particularly difficult as she takes on her first theater role.
Mehanna also stressed that she is determined not to negatively affect the work of her fellow cast members and wants to deliver a performance that lives up to their trust, as well as the confidence placed in her by director and writer Mohamed El Mohamady.
Hanady Mehanna on Performing Live and Memorizing Dialogue
Hanady Mehanna explained that performing directly in front of an audience is a very different experience from her previous acting work, particularly because she has to remember every line while maintaining the flow of the performance.
She said: “My challenge is standing on stage, not forgetting my lines, and not messing anything up, because they have all worked in theater. Some have 20 years of experience, others five, while I know nothing about it.”
She also noted that her fellow cast members have previous theater experience, which has made her more conscious of learning from them and delivering a performance that matches the demands of the production.
Hanady Mehanna Wants to Protect Her Colleagues’ Work
Mehanna emphasized that one of her main concerns is not affecting the efforts of her fellow actors, explaining that she wants to live up to their expectations and the confidence of the play’s creative team.
“The most important thing for me is not to ruin their work and to live up to their expectations and the expectations of the director and writer Mohamed El Mohamady,” she said.
Her comments highlight the sense of responsibility she feels during her first theatrical experience, particularly while working alongside performers with previous stage experience.
Improvisation Presents Another Challenge
Hanady Mehanna also identified improvisation as another challenge she is facing during the production.
She explained that she does not yet have enough experience with improvisation on stage, especially since “Khayal Mareed” marks her first theater performance.
The direct interaction with an audience and the need to respond quickly to unexpected situations make improvisation an important skill in live theater, one that requires practice and experience.
What Is Khayal Mareed About?
“Khayal Mareed” is a psychological comedy centered on Dr. Taha, played by Hisham Maged, a doctor who uses an unconventional approach based on drama when dealing with his patients.
The sessions develop into a series of comedic situations and unexpected encounters, combining psychological themes with comedy.
The production also uses the concept of “theater within theater” and direct interaction with the audience, turning viewers into an active part of the theatrical experience rather than simply observers.
What is Hanady Mehanna’s biggest challenge in Khayal Mareed?
She said performing on stage and memorizing her dialogue are among her biggest challenges.
Is Khayal Mareed Hanady Mehanna’s first theater experience?
Yes, it marks her first theatrical experience.
What other challenge did Hanady Mehanna mention?
She said improvisation on stage is another challenge because she lacks sufficient experience in it.
Who plays Dr. Taha in the play?
Hisham Maged plays the character of Dr. Taha.
