Baghdad: Young Iraqi actress Zainab Al-Ani is showcasing her talent this Ramadan season by portraying two distinct characters in two different series. “The Devil’s Throne,” penned by Mohammed Khammas and directed by Murad Turk, and “My Name is Hassan,” written by Hamed Al-Maliki and directed by Samer Hikmat, are both airing on the Iraqi and Dijlah channels.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Ani expressed her excitement about her roles, stating, “My appearance in this Ramadan season is through two distinct characters in two equally compelling and well-rounded dramas. I play the character of Rana in ‘The Devil’s Throne’ and the character of Maysoun in ‘My Name is Hassan.'” In “The Devil’s Throne,” Al-Ani’s character Rana is a spy embedded in the palace of a powerful political figure, tasked with uncovering their conspiracies. The storyline portrays a blend of good and evil, revealing Rana’s true intentions by the end of the series.
Al-Ani emphasized the significance of her role in “The Devil’s Throne,” acknowledging the opportunity for growth and the deep connection she developed with the character. She credited the expertise of the director, Murad Turk, and writer, Muhammad Khammas, for the series’ success and the positive feedback it received.
Conversely, Al-Ani shared insights about her role in “My Name is Hassan,” where she plays Maysoun, a young woman from the eighties. Maysoun’s journey involves a quest for work that leads to unexpected opportunities, ultimately driven by material greed. The narrative conveys messages about the former regime’s tyranny and the societal divisions it caused. Al-Ani praised the skilled writing of Hamed Al-Maliki and direction of Samer Hikmat for their contributions to the series’ success.
Discussing the evolving role of women in Iraqi dramas, Al-Ani highlighted the dynamic presence of young female talents alongside seasoned actors. She noted the importance of women’s roles in captivating an intelligent and aware audience, seeking art that meets international standards. This, she believes, will determine the presence and success of talented individuals in the industry.