Lebanon lost one of its most distinguished actors today, with a career spanning several decades. Antoine Kerbage passed away at the age of 90 after battling illness and suffering from Alzheimer’s. Throughout his career, Kerbage made significant contributions to the country’s theatrical and cinematic landscapes. Born in 1935, he began his acting journey in the 1960s by joining the Modern Theater Institute of the Baalbek International Festival Committee where he played a pivotal role in Lebanon’s theatrical movement. Over the years, Kerbage participated in numerous theatrical productions, including Youssef Bek Karam, The Clown, The Red Prince, and many others.

Antoine believed that theater was the mirror of society and should reflect its social issues. He was one of the pioneers in performing in spoken Arabic (العامية) rather than in Classical Arabic (الفصحى). While researching online, I came across this beautiful collection of posters designed to advertise some of Kerbage’s plays between 1972-1995.

Kerbage’s legacy extends beyond his performances; his life and career have inspired contemporary works. His son, Lebanese artist Mazen Kerbaj, is creating a graphic novel titled Antoine, which intertwines his father’s experiences with the broader context of Lebanon’s 1960s and 1970s art scene. This project serves both as a personal tribute and a historical narrative, offering valuable insights into the cultural milieu of the era.