Oh Torment

Artist: Monira Al Qadiri
10:00 Min, Kuwait 2008

A series of repetitive choreographies are set to Abdul Wahab Al Rashid’s woeful folk song of love and lament. Complete with over the top costumes, props and make-up, Wa Wailah is lodged somewhere between a Shakespearean play and an MTV music video as rich and colorful contemporary visuals are mixed with traditional attire. 

Al Qadiri scrutinizes gender roles and conventions (be they social, musical or cinematic) by switching the roles of the sexes: thus the filmmaker herself plays the role of the male singer, while all of the female dancers are played by cross-dressing men. 

Eroticism and sensuality are played out through scripted moves as notions of the majlis, the harem and the convoy – among other social practices – are alluded to. 

Run-Time: June 2012