From Orphanhood to Cultural Revival
In the quaint alleys of "Zawiyat Fous" near the lush landscapes of Rachidia and the historic halls of Al-Qarawiyyin in Fes, a remarkable journey unfolds, chronicling the life of a man whose artistic endeavors have breathed life into nearly forgotten cultural tales. This is the story of Mohammed Al-Soussi Al-Alaoui, born in 1950, who faced the harsh realities of orphanhood and poverty at a tender age of seven. His early experiences of loss, hunger, and hardship did not deter him; instead, they became the foundation upon which he built a resilient spirit that preserved his dignity and nurtured his passion for the arts, particularly through the teachings of the Quran.
Fes, with its rich historical and cultural tapestry, became a pivotal chapter in Al-Soussi's life. Originating from the arid landscapes of Tafilalet, he was captivated by the 12 centuries of civilization that surrounded him. As he prepared to enter Al-Qarawiyyin University, he first encountered the name "Baba Ashour" uttered by children in the narrow streets of the old city, seeking justice. This name etched itself into his imagination, and unbeknownst to him, he would one day embody this legendary figure, not merely as a tale to be told, but as a living spirit that would roam the streets of Morocco.
Al-Soussi's artistic journey was anything but conventional; it began with a serendipitous encounter in "Darb Al-Bashara" in Fes, where he met Idriss Dakali, the brother of renowned artist Abdel Wahab Dakali. It was in this humble setting that he first painted his face with shoe polish to portray "Masoud the Servant" in the play "Said and Saida." The applause he received that night ignited his ambition, leading him to join prestigious theater groups such as the "Fassi Popular Theater" and later, the National Theater Company in Rabat, where he honed his skills and emerged as a prominent interpreter of historical and mythical characters.
Reviving Cultural Icons
In 2005, propelled by the initiative of Professor Najma Taytay, Al-Soussi embarked on a mission to revive cultural icons, transitioning from characters like "Hidane" and "Juha" to a significant milestone in 2006 when he proposed to personify "Baba Ashour." This transformation was not merely a masquerade; it evolved into a grand festival celebrated in the streets of Rabat. Al-Soussi paraded atop a decorated cart, accompanied by folkloric performers, mesmerizing thousands of children and families who embraced "Baba Ashour" as a symbol of authentic Moroccan identity.
However, Al-Soussi Al-Alaoui's portrayal of "Baba Ashour" transcended festive celebrations and parades. Over a span of 15 years, he dedicated himself to bringing this character into prisons, hospitals for cancer patients, and orphanages, embodying the values of compassion and humanity. Through personal efforts and the support of benefactors, he transformed "Baba Ashour" into a compassionate figure that alleviated the suffering of the marginalized and forgotten, exemplifying his belief that true art should emerge from memory to serve reality, turning the bitterness of old wounds into smiles on the faces of others.
As reported by youtube.com.
