DUBAI: Kuwaiti actor Faisal Alamiri takes center stage in the highly anticipated Ramadan show “Zaman Al-Ajaj” (Time of Dust).
The show is an original production for TOD, beIN Media Group’s subscription-based streaming service directed by Jasem AlMuhanna and produced by Abdullah Boushahri. It revolves around Wijdan, portrayed by Kuwaiti-Egyptian actress Mona Hussain, who is seeking refuge from her abusive father and finds solace in a seemingly tranquil village.
Faisal Alamiri's background as a theatrical actor and director enriched his performance, he said. (Supplied)
“The show doesn’t adhere to a specific time or setting. It possesses elements akin to fantasy, yet it’s distinct,” Alamiri told Arab News.
According to the show synopsis, Wijdan, “driven by her wit and determination, orchestrates a bold scheme to manipulate the village leader Ghayth (Kuwaiti star Jassim Al-Nabhan) and his brother Hamza, (Hussain Almahdi), with the ultimate goal of seizing control of their fates.”
Alamiri plays Ismail, Ghayth’s loyal servant and trusted confidant, responsible for overseeing his properties and farm. Ismail’s unwavering devotion to Ghayth is matched only by his ambition, which drives him to assert his influence whenever the opportunity arises.
Ismail is a complex character, grappling with conflicting loyalties — torn between his allegiance to Ghayth and the familial bonds tying him to his brother, Kasib, and Wijdan, Kasib’s daughter.
When Wijdan seeks sanctuary in the village, Ismail is tasked with safeguarding her, following a solemn promise to his late mother. However, he remains wary of Wijdan’s true motives, suspecting ulterior motives beneath her plea for protection.
Faisal Alamiri as Ismail in the Ramadan show “Zaman Al-Ajaj.” (Supplied)
Describing Ismail’s character as essential yet enigmatic, Alamiri expressed his fondness for intricate roles, citing it as the primary allure of this character.
“He embodies significant dramatic depth. His demeanor is distinctive, characterized by an obvious limp,” the actor explained. “I wouldn’t say he was tortured, but he was a person who was bought and sold as a slave in the slave market, until he met (Ghayth).”
Looking back on his career, Alamiri said that he often draws inspiration from people he observes in his community. His portrayal of Ismail was born from a pool of “gathered impressions.”
“Like any character, Ismail feels happiness, sadness and a range of emotions. But how he reacts to things is different from any other role I’ve played,” Alamiri said.
Navigating the complexities of Ismail’s persona posed a formidable challenge. “The scenes were almost all hard. Presenting the character simply and not seeming contrived to the viewer is, I think, the most difficult aspect,” he said.
Despite the difficulties involved in portraying his character truthfully, Alamiri remembers his time shooting the show fondly.
“I have great memories from set,” he said. “There were beautiful scenes we presented together. One of my favorite scenes is a nightmare that Ismail has because of his escape from the village and his tribe. When he wakes up from the nightmare he starts crying so much.”
Beyond his role in front of the camera, Alamiri’s background as a theatrical actor and director enriched his performance, infusing depth and authenticity into Ismail’s character, he said.
He credits his theater background with significantly boosting his career. He has performed in theatrical productions across the world, spanning the US, France, the Netherlands and the Middle East.
“This experience greatly contributed to my growth and exposed me to an international audience, which was invaluable,” he said. “Through theater, I learned to express myself effectively and translate my emotions seamlessly on set and in front of a camera.
“In my opinion, every actor should take part in at least one theatrical production, because it enhances their diction, fosters maturity, and provides direct interaction with the audience. The live engagement with the audience is a unique experience,” he added.
Regarding the audience’s reception of “Zaman Al-Ajaj,” Alamiri said: “I hope viewers enjoy the show. Ultimately, we are in the entertainment industry. I also hope the audience recognizes the artistic contributions of actors, whether it’s me or any other actor.
“Anyone who follows my work will notice that I evolve with each project, driven by audience feedback, because, ultimately, we work for them,” he concluded.
