Beirut: The American University of Beirut (AUB) announced a new theater production: "The Pillars of Society," Henrik Ibsen's classic play, in an Arabic-language adaptation directed by Lebanese film and theater director Lucien Bourjeily. This immersive promenade production opened for a limited run, unfolding across multiple locations on the AUB campus.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the play is performed in Lebanese Arabic with an English synopsis provided, and follows Karsten Bernick, a celebrated "pillar" of his coastal town whose public standing rests on a carefully concealed truth. It explores themes of reputation and conscience, resonating with contemporary audiences.

The production involves collaboration between AUB students and seasoned theater professionals, including Abdelrahim Al-Awji, Farah Shaer, and Majd Al Masri. It is presented by the university's Center for American Studies and Research (CASAR), the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS), the Department of English, the Theater Initiative, and the THTR 259 "Theater Production" class.

This marks the second Ibsen classic staged at AUB in immersive promenade form. The first, "An Enemy of the People," was well-received by audiences and critics in 2023 and was brought back in 2024 due to popular demand.

For the performance schedule and tickets, attendees can visit any branch of Antoine Bookstore or the Antoine Ticketing website. As the production involves walking and moving between locations on campus, attendees are advised to wear comfortable shoes.