Ramez uses personal narratives to make social themes resonate with people
- Theatre
Plays inspired by personal narratives often resonate deeply with audiences, Ramez Basheer (37) discovered. “These narratives strike a chord with people, allowing them to relate on a personal level.”How does this graduate of the School of Acting in Arnhem convey his own stories to the audience?
Ramez Basheer has Palestinian roots, but grew up in Syria. There, he was a professional actor, appearing in TV series, producing children’s shows and also working as an assistant director. “I also enrolled in various workshops and courses to enhance my professional skills,” he recalls.
Theatre performances at an asylum seekers’ centre
Ramez fled the Syrian conflict in 2015, seeking refuge in the Netherlands, where he ended up in an asylum seekers’ centre. After running into a fellow actor from his country, they decided to produce a performance about the realities of being an asylum seeker. “The performance was in Arabic, with subtitles displayed on a screen. We staged the performance almost eighty times in total, across the country.”
Members of the Wunderbaum theatre company were among the audience during one of the performances. “When they invited us to collaborate on a play, I seized the opportunity with both hands!”
Auditioning without speaking the language
Ramez talked with his colleagues from Wunderbaum about his desire to pursue a professional acting career in the Netherlands as well. “Theatre is my passion; I wouldn’t want to do anything else. I sought advice from my theatre company associates on what steps to take, and they advised me to enrol in the School of Acting.”
When Ramez auditioned in Arnhem, he barely spoke any Dutch. “Fortunately, they told me at the start of the audition that language wouldn’t be a major concern. That reassured me and helped me perform confidently.”
Ramez was accepted. “I was thrilled when I found out I could study at the School of Acting! It was as pivotal moment in my life.”
“What can I learn?”
Shortly after beginning the programme, Ramez realised there was still much to learn. “Despite my extensive acting experience, I often performed on autopilot,” he says. “The programme in Arnhem taught me to consciously apply techniques, and I found myself gradually mastering the language, for everyday and professional use. I also made a lot of progress in this area during my internship at BOG .”
He compared the situation with driving: “In Syria, I had my driving licence, but driving in the Netherlands meant I needed to change some of my old habits. Acting presented similar challenges. It was sometimes tough, but I kept thinking: what can I learn from this? This mindset helped me develop further.”
Contacts
Ramez says he received a lot of support from teaching staff during the programme. “They’re really committed to helping students in their creative and personal growth. If I run into a problem, they help me find a way through.”
Interaction with fellow students is not as intense. “This is due to the significant age difference, as well as my personal circumstances,” Ramez thinks. “I don’t often hang out with others after classes. I usually head straight back to Alphen aan den Rijn, where I live with my girlfriend, an actress, and our six-year-old son.”
Biography as material
Ramez recalls a theatre director once telling him that the Dutch have a keen interest in fresh narratives, particularly those rooted in personal experiences. This contrasts with what Ramez was accustomed to. He explains: “In Syria, plays typically address contemporary social matters.”
In his graduation thesis, Ramez explores how to present personal narratives. For this, he spoke with theatre producers and dramatists from migrant backgrounds, among others. “I also asked them about the experiences they keep to themselves and those they choose to share with the audience. The dividing line is often very thin.”
“Who am I really?”
Ramez’s graduation performance is autobiographical and deals with identity. “I examine whether I’m “a person of colour”, Palestinian, Syrian, or Dutch perhaps. What stereotypes are associated with these labels? What do they actually say about me? Who am I really? And how do I choose my own path?”
Ramez explains that he wants to create work that connects social issues with personal experiences. “I want to make social themes resonate with people. By sharing stories I aim to connect with the audience. I see theatre as experimentation, constantly exploring new themes and sharing my findings with others.”
Production company
Ramez has not finalised his future plans yet. “I want to take on a variety of things. I‘ve often heard that I have good timing and a knack for comedy, but I don’t want to limit myself to one acting style. I intend to audition for a range of productions, like series, films and theatre. And I’d love to produce children’s shows again. I’m also in the process of setting up a creative production company in Alphen, together with my girlfriend and others.”
Tips?
What would Ramez advise future generations of first-year students? “Most importantly, in your audition, don’t do things because you think that’s what others expect. Be yourself, and you’ll excel!”, he says firmly. He also has a tip for new students: “The first year is intense, with many demands. Proper planning is essential. By pacing yourself, you’ll definitely succeed.”