Mohammad Riad Hussain Ismat, colloquially known as Riad Ismat, died on Wednesday, May 13 from coronavirus in the U.S. The world knew him as a Syrian writer, critic and theatre director. NCC knew him as a friend, a colleague and a professor.
Born in 1947 in Damascus, Syria, he earned his degree in English literature at Damascus University, Syria, in 1968. He then earned a postgraduate diploma in theater directing at Cardiff University, U.K. After that, he received a certificate in television production and direction from the BBC.
“He was here to remind us that the creative arts can teach us to remember that caring about each other—across borders and cultures—must and can prevail,” said Emeritus Professor of English John Shindler.
Ismat played many different roles throughout his life. From Director General of Syrian State Radio and Television to Syrian ambassador to Former Minister of Culture of Syria.
From 2013 to 2014, Ismat served as a visiting professor at Northwestern University’s Buffett Center for International and Comparative Studies.
In the 2014-15 academic school year, he was a scholar-in-residence at NCC and served as a visiting professor teaching playwright, acting and directing. He also lectured on Syrian and Arabic literature and drama.
“I see liberal arts as the salvation that will bring back peace, harmony and democracy to many parts of the world,” Ismat once said.
Ismat wrote 33 books of plays, stories and criticism. He presented most of his plays in Syria and other Arab countries. Some of his most famous work includes ‘A Game of Love and Revolution’ and ‘The Banana Republic.’
During his time at NCC, Ismat gave a presentation at TIP Talks titled ‘Syria: Tolerance or Violence.’
“This is what I want to be remembered for, not someone by the name of ‘his excellency,'” said Ismat.
