Mosul theater pioneer Mohammed Zuhayri dies at 70

MOSUL, Iraq — Pioneering Mosul theater artist Mohammed Zuhayri has died of a sudden heart attack at the age of 70, the Nineveh branch of the Iraqi Artists Syndicate announced. Head of the Nineveh Artists Syndicate described Zuhayri as one of the most distinguished figures of Mosul's stage and artistic life, noting that he left an indelible mark on Iraq's artistic memory over more than four decades. Born in 1956, Zuhayri began working as an actor and director in the 1970s. He collaborated with several Mosul theater groups, taking part in more than 50 productions including "The Jwara Tragedy" and "The Nameless Soldier." Zuhayri also appeared in numerous television and film projects, including the film "The Death of the Bird Seller" and the series "Haris al-Basus," becoming one of the symbolic figures of Mosul's theater and enlightenment tradition.