Beirut: The American University of Beirut (AUB) presented "Alleviating Art," a one-act play about Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, who played a crucial role in changing medical history by introducing inoculation to Britain and Europe. The performance was organized by the university's Faculty of Arts and Sciences and the Faculty of Medicine, in collaboration with the Department of English, the Department of Fine Arts and Art History, and the Theater Initiative.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the play was performed in "The Skeleton" theater in Nicely Hall, offering audiences an immersive experience that intertwined art, history, and science. Written by Robert Myers, professor of English and creative writing, and directed by Lucien Bourjeily, both of whom teach theater at AUB, "Alleviating Art" brought to life Lady Montagu's advocacy for variolation-a practice she encountered in the Ottoman Empire and championed in Britain despite resistance from religious authorities and the male-dominated medical field.
The play starred Mabelle Abdo, with live music by Jihad Chemaly, and dramatized a significant moment in medical history, highlighting the struggle over scientific truth. It drew from Montagu's Turkish Embassy Letters and her public defenses of inoculation, often written under a male pseudonym, to illuminate how medical knowledge transcended cultures and how women's contributions were frequently overlooked.
The production played to full houses and was met with acclaim, emphasizing the enduring relevance of its themes. In an era where global debates around public health and trust in science are critical, the play's themes continue to resonate.
A post-show discussion, moderated by Dr. Joelle Abi-Rached, associate professor of medicine and director of the Program on Medical History, Ethics, and Politics at AUB, encouraged audiences to reflect on the play's contemporary relevance, linking historical struggles for scientific acceptance and gender equity to today's challenges in global health communication.