In France, Lebanese playwright and poet Youssef Rashid Haddad has passed away at the age of 78. He was known for his contributions to theatrical techniques aimed at assisting social groups facing difficulties, such as prisoners and patients.
Haddad was a multi-disciplinary theatrical artist, serving as an actor, storyteller, director, and poet. After graduating in 1971 from the Institute of Fine Arts in Beirut, he became the head of the theatrical arts department. He then joined the theater department at "Paris 8" University, where he presented his thesis for his doctorate in 1975. He began teaching at this university in 1977 and became a researcher there in 1986, in addition to being a professor until his retirement.
The website of the theater department at the French university noted that he "trained a large number of students to use theatrical techniques to assist social groups facing difficulties in prisons, hospitals, and houses for troubled teenagers." It mentioned that he "opened pathways" in the field of "the connection between art and public health," focusing on "the modest benefits that live arts can achieve in places where life has been darkened."
The late artist was also the author of several articles and works, including "The Art of Storytelling," "The Art of Acting," and various poetry collections.
