Actor Rita Hayek Replaced from Lead Role in “Venus”, Here’s What Happened

Lebanese actor Rita Hayek, who helped bring the play Venus to life and played a major role in its international success, has revealed she was unexpectedly replaced from the very role she helped shape. So, what exactly happened?

The Success of Venus

First staged in Beirut in 2015, Venus is a Lebanese adaptation of the play Venus in Fur by David Ives. Directed by Jacques Maroun, the production stood out for its bold themes and sharp dialogue. It explored gender dynamics and control in a way that resonated with local audiences.

Hayek starred alongside actor Badih Abou Chakra, and the two created a dynamic that turned the play into a hit. The minimal staging allowed the dialogue—and the tension between the characters—to take center stage. Audiences connected with the play’s ability to question traditional gender roles and challenge social expectations. Abou Chakra once described the performance as a raw and honest space, while Hayek has said the role pushed her to grow deeply, both professionally and personally.

The play enjoyed multiple successful runs in Lebanon and quickly became one of the most talked-about theatre productions. Its success led to plans for an international tour in 2025, with performances in cities such as Dubai and Montreal.

What Happened to the Lead Role?

When details about the tour emerged, many noticed that Rita Hayek was no longer part of the cast, with actor Rola Beksmati headlining in her place.

In a video she posted on Instagram, Hayek opened up about the situation. Production had removed her from the upcoming international shows. To make matters worse, she said the team continued to use her name to promote upcoming shows. Hayek expressed frustration and disappointment at how the situation was handled.

While Beksmati is a respected performer, the decision, and especially the way it was communicated, sparked reactions from fans.

Following the backlash, Bou Chakra posted a statement to his Instagram stories. He wrote:

Rita Hayek is a fundamental pillar and a key partner in the play Venus—there’s no question about that.

As for the shows in Dubai and Canada, they fall under my professional commitments and prior agreements with producers outside Lebanon. Any issues related to those commitments should be resolved once they are fulfilled.

Afterward, each person is free to set the conditions they find suitable before starting a new phase—if they wish to continue at all.

Many questioned the ethics of replacing a lead actor in such a significant production without transparent communication, especially when that actor played a key role in shaping its identity.

Fans and fellow actors like Liliane Nemry and Hiam Abou Chedid flooded the comment section under her video with support.

As Venus moves forward on international stages, the situation raises broader questions about artistic credit, respect for performers, and how creative contributions are acknowledged, or sidelined, once a project gains momentum beyond its original context.

Enjoyed this read? You might also like: Why You Need to Watch K-Pop Demon Hunters on Netflix