The first television drama for Lebanese singer Haifa Wahbi “Mawlid
Wa Sahibo Ghayeb” has witnessed a drastic turn of events in terms of production,
direction and cast. News reports have it that the production of the drama was
taken from the hands of producer Tareq Sayam and given to producers Mohammad
Fawzi and Wael Abdallah. In addition, Sameh Abd Al Aziz was assigned to direct
the drama after it was initially proposed for director Majdi Al Huwari.
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Problems for the drama began several weeks ago when the
producing company ‘Arab Screen’ attempted to convince Haifa to postpone the
project from being aired during the Ramadan season 2012 to a later date, due to
the heavy volume of dramas being aired at one time. In addition, the company
stated that it has two other projects to be aired during Ramdan, the first “Khutoot
Hamra” (Red Lines) starring Egyptian actor Ahmad Al Sakka and the second “Kayed
Nisa” (Women Vengeance) starring Egyptian belly dancer Fifi Abdo.
According to the internet website MBC.net, Haifa strongly
refused to accept the producing company’s proposal to postpone the drama,
stressing that it is critical to air the drama during Ramadan. The singer
stressed that during Ramadan the drama will witness high volumes of viewers
especially since it is the first drama she plays in. negotiations between Haifa
and the company reached a dead-end and the company failed in convincing Haifa
leading the singer to break her contract and return the down payment she was
paid.
Mohammad Fawzi revealed that the drama will undergo major
alterations and will not come out as initially proposed. He stated that the
cast will be changed in accordance to the new set budget and the script will
also get it’s fair chance of alterations.
Links:
[1] http://www.albawaba.com