Hend Sabri on Starring in and Producing Arabic Adaptation of ‘The Good Wife’: ‘It’s Crucial to Have Such a Nuanced Character in This Part of the World’

As a movie buff with a deep appreciation for Middle Eastern cinema, I am consistently inspired by the captivating performances of Hend Sabri. Her ability to bring complex and boundary-pushing female characters to life on screen is truly commendable. In her latest roles in “Moftaraq Toroq” and “Finding Ola,” Sabri masterfully navigates the cultural intricacies of transposing Western shows for Arab audiences, ensuring that these nuanced stories resonate with viewers while staying true to their social contexts.

Hend Sabri, a renowned actress from Tunisia and Egypt, is making a significant impact on Middle Eastern culture by portraying compelling female roles.

Sabri shines in “Moftaraq Toroq,” the Arabic version of “The Good Wife” which debuted in June and has been drawing high viewership on MBC’s elite streaming platform, Shahid.

In the program, Sabri portrays Amira, who following a 15-year commitment as her politician husband’s wife and mother, decides to rejoin the legal field after her spouse becomes embroiled in a sex scandal. Moreover, Sabri shines in Netflix’s popular Arabic production “Finding Ola,” where she portrays a divorced woman from Cairo, eagerly exploring her own identity on an enlightening voyage. The upcoming second installment of “Finding Ola” is predicted to be released soon.

Below, Sabri, who works on both productions, shares insights with EbMaster on how to adapt the American shows for Arab viewers, addressing the intricate cultural nuances.

In the notable collection of stories where you portray female characters, pushing cultural norms within the Middle East, how do you manage the delicate equilibrium?

Instead of employing the “shock doctrine” approach that disrupts the audience’s familiarity and beliefs, I believe a more effective method is guiding them through an enlightening journey from known grounds to new perspectives. This way, they are open to reconsidering ideas rather than being overwhelmed by unexpected changes.

How could we adapt “The Good Wife” character Alicia Florrick for an Arabic cultural background, and what would be the primary hurdles in doing so?

The production stays true to the original in many ways, yet some adjustments have been made, both before and during my involvement in the project. I collaborated with the producers and writers to handle sensitive scenes involving a married woman’s infidelity, ensuring a nuanced portrayal that respectfully addressed societal judgments on this complex issue.

How did you make Alicia’s character more Arabic?

As a film enthusiast, I was excited about the challenge of adapting the character of Amira for our production. In the original U.S. version, her interactions with her boss, Will Gardner, and her relationship with her husband, as well as societal norms, needed some adjustments for the Arabic audience.

How groundbreaking is “The Good Wife” in the Arab world?

In my opinion, it’s important for the character I’m portraying to be complex and multidimensional, particularly in this part of the world. This is one of the few instances where a woman is depicted facing so many dilemmas. Interestingly enough, the Arabic version of the title is “Crossroads.” The character finds herself at a crossroads in her life when she’s not exactly young, but also not yet elderly. Middle-aged women are rarely discussed in this region, and this woman is struggling to balance being a good wife with living authentically. She’s torn between societal expectations and her true self. I believe these complexities will be beneficial for my performance as an actress and for the impact I aim to make through my work in this region.

Any other cultural differences?

In the US adaptation, Alicia is a determined character who willingly takes a back seat in a society where she could have pursued other options. However, she had the freedom to make a different choice. Conversely, Amira from the Arabic version faces no such luxury. She’s married to a successful husband and finds herself living in his shadow. When she returns to her career as a lawyer and resumes her independent life, she handles the situation differently than an American character would. We had to tread lightly while developing this complex character to prevent her from appearing as a social misfit or someone who dishonors her marriage commitment.

How can you tell when you’ve gone too far?

In our region, these situations can be quite complex. Due to my extensive background in acting and familiarity with this area, I possess a keen sense for what works and what doesn’t. I’ve had to intervene multiple times with the writers regarding Amira’s character. I believed it was essential to emphasize that she was not just a victim of her husband but also of societal expectations. Her desire to maintain her independence should not be portrayed as merely being influenced by falling in love, or else it may be perceived negatively as a woman who easily changes her mind. It’s a delicate balance – a dance with the audience.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

2024-07-26 16:17

Hend Sabri on Starring in and Producing Arabic Adaptation of ‘The Good Wife’: ‘It’s Crucial to Have Such a Nuanced Character in This Part of the World’

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