A few weeks ago a 38-year-old play by Ziad Rahbani broke box office records in Lebanon. The popular reaction to the cinematic release of Bennesbeh Labokra, Chou? (What about tomorrow?) surprised many, but its triggering of Lebanon’s collective memory has proved a moment of truth for the company behind its resurrection.
Originally performed during an eight-month run at the Orly Theatre in Beirut in 1978, the complete original cast recording of Bennesbeh Labokra, Chou? had been released on the Zida record label the same year, ensuring the play’s survival in audio format. However, the existence of footage of the play, shot by Rahbani’s sister Layal, was unknown by all except a few. It w
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