Dr Dalia Farah
University of the Witwatersrand
Woven Fates and Silenced Bodies: Scenographic Representations of Gendered Oppression in Shādhilī Faraḥ’s Night of the South
ABSTRACT
This study explores the role of scenographic design in representing gender-based violence in the play Night of the South (Layl al-Janoub) by southern Egyptian playwright Shādhilī Faraḥ. Focusing on the 2015 production directed by Ashraf El-Noubi with scenography by Dalia Farah, the article examines how visual and spatial elements amplify narratives of female suffering within the cultural context of Upper Egypt. Drawing on a descriptive-analytical methodology and a case study approach, the research highlights how scenography - through symbolic motifs, spatial arrangements, color palettes, and physical performance - functions as a conduit for cultural memory, social critique, and emotional resonance.
The play interweaves the stories of four women, each subjected to different forms of systemic violence, including infertility stigma, sexual assault, forced marriage, and emotional deprivation. The scenographic elements construct a layered visual language that exposes the tensions between tradition, silence, and resistance. This article situates Night of the South within broader discussions of gender oppression in Upper Egypt, emphasizing the capacity of southern theatre to challenge inherited norms and give voice to marginalized experiences. Ultimately, the study asserts that scenographic visual storytelling offers a potent strategy for making visible the often-silenced realities of women’s lives. Thus, the study contributes to the larger discourse on gender, memory, and cultural reform in Egyptian theatre.
BIOGRAPHY
Dalia Saleh Farah is an Egyptian scenographer, and a Professor of Expressive Arts at Luxor University, Egypt. Beginning in 2024, she holds the position of Senior Lecturer and Director of Design elective at Department of Theatre and Performance, Wits School of Arts, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.
Dalia earned her PhD in Theatrical Sciences from Helwan University, Egypt in collaboration with Charles Sturt University, Australia. Her research focuses on performance studies pertaining to decolonization, cultural heritage, cultural sustainability, social reformation and cultural identity. A professional scenographer since 1999, she has contributed scenic and costume designs to numerous national and international productions, working with diverse cultural institutions and theatre ensembles across Egypt and Australia.
Beyond her creative practice, Dalia actively engages in academic research and peer reviewing, serving on editorial boards of prestigious accredited journals. Dalia’s work embodies a strong commitment to advancing the arts through both scholarly inquiry and practical application. For more about her work, visit www.dalia-farah.com.