Among the fundamental pillars of shaping national identity, media and drama stand out as two key instruments in building collective consciousness and strengthening national belonging. Unfortunately, both sectors in Jordan today are experiencing a state of decline and neglect, marked by a clear absence of attention and support from official institutions.
اضافة اعلان
It is deeply saddening for any observer to read the heartfelt tweets of Jordanian actors expressing, with great bitterness, the painful reality of the drama scene. A reality that neither does justice to the Jordanian drama nor reflects the importance of art and drama in preserving national identity—an identity that is now being deliberately eroded or marginalized, while other countries actively harness media and drama to craft and promote their national narratives, both locally and internationally.
In one particularly poignant post, a local actor wrote an open letter to the media, describing his personal ordeal that could soon lead to imprisonment—not due to personal failure, but as a result of persistent neglect in supporting dramatic production. Other actors voiced their deep frustration over the disregard shown by state institutions for Jordanian drama, which was once supposed to be at the forefront of national expression and cultural influence, especially in times of regional and global developments that require a strong and conscious Jordanian narrative.
We all remember—proudly—the pioneering role of Jordan Television and national production institutions that consistently supported local drama and produced high-quality content that made a lasting impact not only within Jordan, but also across the Arab Gulf. Through Bedouin dramas and a variety of educational and cultural programs, these institutions helped solidify Jordan's image and identity in the minds of Arab audiences.
Such drama was part of a greater national project—one that expressed the voice of society, reflected its values and history, and contributed to its unity and cohesion. Today, however, that voice is almost lost. Production has dwindled, support has vanished, and the cultural and media vision that once connected art to its greater mission is no longer in sight.
It is also impossible to talk about the crisis of Jordanian drama without acknowledging the pioneering role Jordanian actors have played in enriching Arab drama, whether through joint productions or key roles in major Arab series—particularly in the Gulf, Syrian, and Egyptian drama scenes. Distinguished names such as the late Yasser Al-Masri, Mondher Rayahneh, Saba Mubarak, Zuhair Al-Nubani, Abeer Issa, Nabil Al-Mashini, among many others whose names we cannot list here, have left an indelible mark on Arab drama. They have proven that Jordanian actors possess the talent and charisma to stand in the front ranks of Arab performers.
These actors served as ambassadors for Jordan in every Arab household, carrying with them the country’s image, culture, and concerns. Through their art, they embodied the message of Jordanian drama, which once held a powerful and consistent presence before its decline—due not to a lack of talent, but to neglect and lack of institutional support.
Remaining silent in the face of this decline is not an option. Countries that recognize the importance of soft power invest in their drama industries and support their actors; they do not leave them to cry out in the void. What is needed today is for Jordanian drama to return to the forefront—and for support, production, and distribution policies to be reevaluated—so we do not lose one of the most vital pillars of our national identity.
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