Hussam Bahou has developed a unique style of interactive theatre, Art for Human Rights, which uses drama as a means to address social issues in Jordan. Theatrical sketches on various social issues, followed by discussion and community involvement, form Hussam’s model for constructive engagement.
Moving away from a traditional lecture or debate format, Art for Human Rights advocates for theatre which actively engages its audience in a type of artistic dialogue. Individuals are regularly invited onto the stage during the performance, and after the show, the theatre company encourages the audience to put forth comments and questions. In doing so, the organization challenges the audience to address a variety of socially relevant topics.
Hussam hopes to integrate this theatre program into the Jordanian school curriculum as a means to promote dialogue amongst the nation’s youth. Already, the organization, after presenting a play concerning the relationship between poor education and unemployment, successfully pushed the Ministry of Education to establish a mandatory kindergarten program, a testament to Hussam’s constructive impact on Jordanian society.