24 ON THE COUCH WITH
GEORGES
KHABBAZ
Genuine and genius are two words that describe Georges Khabbaz perfectly. At just 40 years of age, the celebrated actor, writer, director and producer, has accomplished what many can only dream of. Elsa Yazbek Charabati takes time out with Khabbaz at the Backstage, where he is staging his latest play “Bel Kawalis”
YOUR PARENTS WERE BOTH ACTORS. HOW DID THAT AFFECT YOUR DECISION TO PURSUE FILM AND THEATER? It came genetically and in the air. Of course I took a lot from my parents, and the cultural atmosphere where I grew up had a great impact on me. My uncles from both sides were also musicians, as was my grandfather. This artistic atmosphere surrounded me and I consider it a blessing. Moreover, my dad had a huge library so I grew up with music and books. It helped me discover my talent early and develop it. YOU’VE DONE BOTH COMEDY AND DRAMATIC ACTING. DO YOU HAVE A PREFERENCE? I like both, but frankly speaking, in our region and in Lebanon in particular, we need happiness and joy. It has become a rare currency, especially “clean” joy, far from insults, sexual or political vulgarity. So I decided to go more into comedy, because through comedy we can also convey a patriotic, humanitarian, social message; a high level comedy built on real content. Anyway, I believe there is a thin line between drama and comedy. lebanontraveler.com