Dragging Yourself back up after Hitting rock bottom

What was the hardest scene to shoot?

Noor: Definitely the last scene with Hazem. The emotions that came with that scene were overwhelming and tough. I’m glad I had the most supportive cast and crew around me at the time.

Layan’s bullying scenes were also some of the toughest ones for me because bullying is a huge issue that occurs in numerous schools. And so we had extensive rehearsals with Tima to be able to accurately present this issue on screen.

Rakeen: I think one of the hardest scenes that I had to shoot was the harassment scene. It was very emotionally intense and became a turning point in the story. Also, technically, it was hard since we were shooting it in a swimming pool and the crew was with us in the water.

Andria: The most difficult scene for me was the beating scene, which was choreographed with all the safety measures taken into consideration. We also had a stunt rehearsal to make sure that nobody gets injured during this scene. Noor: To a certain extent, there were parts of every character on our show that I could relate to. Growing up I would always be seen in a certain way even though there was another side to me that was hidden. I love how Al Rawabi School for Girls proved that everyone has different sides to them that the world doesn’t necessarily know of.

Rakeen: Yes, of course. The show sheds light on the challenges and struggles that young adults face during this critical stage in their lives including bullying, cyberbullying, peer pressure, the generation gap between parents and their children as well as personal struggles, which almost everyone can relate to. When it comes to bullying for example, most of us have experienced it one way or another, even if we were not aware of the exact term back then. However, I have always been a fighter who stands for justice and defends people if they ever go through that experience.

Andria: One of the most significant issues highlighted by the show is bullying and its consequences, which I did experience back in my school days. However, the show enabled me to talk about the issue on behalf of those who can’t through my character.

What is the main lesson you want the viewers to learn from your show?

Noor: “Not everything you see is the truth” was Rawabi’s main point and the point that resonated with me the most. I truly think people should understand that empathy goes a long way because you never know what anyone is feeling or going through. You can never hurt anyone by being kind.

Rakeen: I think there are many lessons but one of them is that not everything your eyes see is the truth. I also feel like we shed light on many important issues we’re now facing in our society; from bullying, harassment, the generation gap between parents and their kids, mental health etc.

Andria: Bullying can have long-lasting damage on its victims. Yet, people fail to realize the significance of these consequences. It’s important to address bullying by speaking out. In addition to that, parents and teachers play an important role in preventing such an issue and ensuring the safety of each student. I also believe that candid conversations between students and their parents should strengthen their bond and trust.

Did you expect the show to make it globally and become the number one trending show in almost every Middle-Eastern country? How do you feel about it?

Noor: It was definitely the most pleasant surprise to wake up to; I was ecstatic when I heard how popular the show was getting and how much people are loving it! It’s definitely a surreal feeling knowing so many people are appreciating and supporting Al Rawabi School for Girls. I feel honored that I got to tell my character’s story and have people relate to her and the other amazing characters on our show.

Rakeen: I expected that the show would be popular but never fully realized the extent of its reach; especially on a global level! I feel so overwhelmed with excitement and very thankful for all the love we are getting.

Andria: I am truly in awe of the show’s wide global reach. I was quite overwhelmed with the love and support I received, and was happy that this show impacted a huge amount of people. I am glad that people were able to relate to Mariam and I wanted to show them that they are not alone in whatever they go through. I said it before and I’ll say it again, I think the cast and I can all agree on how life changing this is for us!

What did you think of the criticism that the show was subjected to by some critics and viewers?

Noor: Art comes in many shapes and forms, and I believe that the audience will never really have the same opinions about any movie or show due to their different tastes. The show is based on a fantasy world and reflects Tima Shomali’s vision and thus is subjected to different types of feedback.

Rakeen: One of the things that I like best about the show is that it opened up a conversation in our society. I feel that this is extremely important, to sit Andria: We received a lot of love and support as well as some constructive criticism. Yet, I am more than happy to listen to people’s opinions and especially film critics because this is how I can learn, improve and grow as an actress.

Tell us about the similarities and differences between your character on the show and your personality in real life!

Noor: One thing Layan and I definitely share with each-other is our love and loyalty to our close friends. To me, the people who are close to me come first and I think Layan would agree with me on that! However, I think I’m much more laid back than Layan is. As glamorous as she is, I’m always too lazy to get as dolled up as she does in every episode.

Rakeen: There are many differences between me and Noaf. I mean age difference is one, looks, style, and how I see life is different even when I was her age. Noaf is smarter when it comes to technology, more introverted and mysterious. I do have these parts in me but not that much. I was a theatre kid, more extroverted and loud when I was her age.

However, I would say I have always been a bit of a rebel ever since a young age. I was always ready to defend anyone especially in middle school. I also believe that Noaf is trying to be more responsible due to her family background and situation at her new school.

Andria: Mariam and I share some personality traits such as reading books, being a bit introverted and somehow keeping to ourselves. However, Mariam tends to express her emotions through journal writing as opposed to my way of showing it through art in general.