Mohamed Al-Obaidy Explores Burial Questions in New Play

German-Moroccan director Mohamed Al-Obaidy and his theater troupe, Ensemble Flaschengeist, are set to premiere their new play, "Everyone Has Their Own Grave" (Jeder hat sein eigenes Grab), in Berlin. The performances are scheduled for July 10 and 11, 2026, at Theater Varia Vineta.

The play delves into profound existential questions surrounding death and burial, specifically addressing the dilemma faced by individuals with immigrant backgrounds: should one be buried in their country of birth or the country where they spent their later years? This central question probes the meaning of death for the body and soul, and the intricate relationship between memory and belonging.

"Everyone Has Their Own Grave" tells the story of two sisters, Ahlam and Fatima, grappling with the decision of where to bury their deceased father. Their differing desires, one wishing to repatriate him to their homeland, the other advocating for burial in their adopted country, ignite a conflict that exposes the fragility of the concept of 'homeland,' the complexities of identity, and the weight of memory. A third character, a German funeral director, adds another layer to the discourse, offering his perspective on life and death.

Al-Obaidy employs a theatrical style that blends dark humor with human drama, utilizing intense visual rhythms and charged dialogue. The play aims to provoke thought and open dialogue, posing questions without offering easy answers: Where does one's homeland lie when the journey ends? Do human emotions dictate the final resting place, or do borders and official documents hold sway? What remains of our connection to our roots at the moment of final farewell?

The troupe invites audiences, both Arab and German, and all enthusiasts of contemporary theater, to attend this performance. It promises a human experience that transcends cultural boundaries, fostering contemplation and conversation on themes of identity, belonging, and the shared human destiny. The play is presented as a unique opportunity to witness a theatrical work that addresses a critical issue for immigrants, merging humanistic sentiment with philosophical inquiry.