The artist Yousra is competing this year with a controversial series titled "Civil War," which discusses many family and psychological issues. In it, Yousra undergoes a transformation and presents a different character she is betting on. In her interview with "Al Arabiya.net," Yousra talked about the series, her excitement for it, and the competition on social media among stars.
What excited you to accept the series "Civil War," and what new elements are you betting on through the character "Mariam"?
“This is the first time I am playing the role of a cosmetic surgeon, a mother, and a divorced woman with a very different psychological complexity and many internal conflicts. I liked the overall idea of the series and the various characters, each with a storyline that impacts the others. I believe that the overall composition is new to me.”
Did you try to address beauty issues through the work?
“No, the subject is primarily social. Although 'Mariam' is a cosmetic surgeon who owns a hospital, we did not delve into the core issues of beauty; rather, the events focus on social and human interactions.”
Tell us about the cast and the behind-the-scenes experience.
“I am very happy with the cast of the series, including actors like Basel Khayat, Jamila Awad, Amr Saleh, Mayan El Sayed, and Arwa Gouda. Everyone is bringing their best, and the spirit is very beautiful. We feel like a tightly-knit artistic family, despite the conflicts portrayed on screen during the events.”
You are working for the second year in a row with writer Ahmed Adel and director Samih Abdel Aziz. Why is this?
“Ahmed Adel is a young writer with a unique and different vision. I am always attracted to his thrilling plots; he is not conventional at all and adds a distinctive and mature flavor to the work, which I really enjoy. He presents me in new characters that I feel I have not played before. From reading the episodes, I found surprises with each chapter, which is why I repeated the collaboration with him, as well as with director Samih Abdel Aziz, who always has a fresh perspective for the work. We succeeded in ‘Khiyana Ehd’ and I believe ‘Civil War’ is a very special experience.”
Do you lean towards thrilling drama, thus choosing a type similar to "Khiyana Ehd," which was preceded by "Above the Level of Suspicion" and "We Have Other Statements"?
“In general, I love exciting drama and unexpected events, both as a viewer and an actress. I enjoy works that contain surprises in characters, events, and configurations. However, I do not choose works that resemble each other; on the contrary, I try to differ completely so I do not repeat myself.”
It is said that you have come to prefer the "theme of revenge," evidenced by your famous slogan in the promo, "We are not weak; we elevate the weak."
“It is still early for me to reveal details about the character so as not to spoil the events, but in short, the series does not aim for revenge. It may be about restoring rights, but this line is said when ‘Mariam’ discovers that people around her are much more vile and despicable than she had imagined; hence, she decides to start raising them again. Generally, revenge can take many forms and has been portrayed in hundreds of works. In 'Khiyana Ehd,' the mother had to seek revenge for her son, especially since the betrayal stemmed from her siblings in a horrific way, but in 'Civil War,' the situation is completely different.”
You prefer collaborating with new generations of stars, directors, and writers. Why is that?
“I am keen to renew myself and work with different generations in acting, directing, and writing. I believe that collaborating with different generations renews the artist entirely because it presents them through a different lens and thought than usual. This is an important goal that keeps the actor away from traditionalism and changes them. I feel that this collaboration presents me in a new way compared to what is usual, and I love to see myself different and renewed always.”
Tell us about your experience with the Coronavirus and how it affected you.
“It was a very difficult period, the hardest of my life, and I hope it does not return for me or anyone else. I lost many loved ones and acquaintances due to this dreadful virus, and I was terrified during the infection. I was deeply affected and still feel somewhat fatigued. Thank God I have overcome the ordeal and feel better now. I thank God for our recovery, as we live in countless blessings that we do not appreciate until we lose them.”
How do you find your relationship with social media recently and your relationship with the audience through it?
“Social media has become a part of our lives and will remain present; therefore, I engage with it, but I do so with boundaries. I do not allow it to negatively affect my life, nor do I care about what is called 'trending' and the race for it. Thankfully, my relationship with my audience does not depend on social media; my audience is there in reality, in the streets and homes. There is a history, trust, and a long-standing bond between us, and thank God this trust remains unshaken, even if campaigns or problems arise through these platforms. However, I have truly discovered that whenever I face injustice, I find among my audience those who defend me without hesitation.”
What are your latest artistic news?
“I have a film titled 'Eid Night,' and I need some rest after finishing the series 'Civil War.'”
