Table 3: A show putting humanity at the forefront

Table 3 is led by three key creatives: Concept Creator & Executive Producer Eliane Boutros, who developed the main idea behind the show; Joumana Sleiman, overseeing content and guest production; and Sleiman Rizk as Director of Photography. The Beiruter spoke with content and guest producer Joumana Sleiman about their vision.

They aimed to create a show that didn’t resemble anything else while giving a platform to people whose voices go unheard. At the center of that vision are Elias Tawk and Elissa Harik, who have a brain defect and Dandy-Walker Syndrome respectively. They provided them with roles in society where pity is strictly forbidden. “They’re as talented as the next guy or girl, and can be productive, the goal is to raise awareness for society on this topic”, says Joumana.

Unprecedented depth

In media’s traditional reasoning, the hosts constitute challenges in and of themselves. “As LYNX company, we saw Elias and Elissa’s cases as assets and tried to highlight them. They’re intelligent people, well-prepared, with human and intellectual depth”. Joumana goes on to say that being a slow talker is not a weakness; it allows for better listening. “We didn’t do this show for them but with them”.

That same intentionality guides the selection of guests. It’s important that people follow them and that they reflect values such as modesty and humanism. They host distinguished public figures like Rami Ayach, Joseph Attieh, Georges Khabbaz, and Dr. Khaled Ghattas.

The show revolves around the table which gathers people. “You sit at it, conversations happen, memories linger, we might fight, we might share some laughs”, says Joumana. Some of the segments are Table Frame, Table Gallery, and Seat for Lebanon on this Table. Each guest has specific questions tailor-made after meticulous research; Joumana sets them and reviews them with Eliane the executive Producer. “They all say afterwards that it’s the most beautiful interview they’ve done, they didn’t give, they received so much value instead”.

Currently in season 2, they’ve fallen into a particular rhythm. They used to reshoot the questions but now that they have more experience, the procedure runs smoothly. They film it in its entirety in one hour and a half.

Devoid of pretense

The symbolism behind Table 3 is equally deliberate. No matter the guests’ status, they sit at the table displaying respect, honesty and equality. That is the essence of the show. The three seats reflect balance and partnership, and the symbol of the show is the Trillium flower which has three petals implying unity in spite of differences. It’s built on one faith: “When an authentic conversation transpires with respect and fairness, it reaches every single human”, attests Joumana. “We’re all living in the same chaos, in Lebanon and the world, it’s all crazy”.

The purpose of the show is not to perceive the hosts as less or vulnerable in any way. Their guests feel like they’re sitting with journalists, being asked tough questions, and pondering carefully their responses. “They don’t feel confined nor threatened that they’re just trying to get a scoop out of them. The hosts put their guests at ease through their truthfulness”. People are disarmed by Elias and Elissa who engage meaningfully with their invitees. “There’s an atmosphere of love and peace, devoid of pretense on this set”, adds Joumana.

Off-camera and on-camera alike, the connection between Elias and Elissa forms the emotional backbone of the show. When asked about the one thing they’ve been meaning to tell each other but haven’t, Elias says:

Success does not happen by accident. It’s a daily choice you have to make no matter how long it takes to achieve it. I’m extremely proud and happy to have you as a co-host and partner on the most honest of tables, Table 3.

As for Elissa, she has this to share with her co-host: “I feel that I learn something new from you every day. From your words, your thought process, and your beautiful heart. Your presence in my life has made the world of difference, and each minute with you has meaning. You’re one of those people who puts others at ease and inspires you to grow. Truthfully, the world learns from you without you even noticing”.

After the camera stops rolling, the satisfied crew meets in the studio and reflects on the episode, the favorable elements that ensued, what distinguishes the guest and where improvements can be made. “We always say how delightful the guests are, we discover things we didn’t know about them. What’s more, we’re a family. If you come visit Table 3, you feel how strong love is among us all”.

Ripple effect

In three to five years, the team has big dreams of expanding worldwide, with other projects in the works that will branch out from Table 3. Still, the show’s most meaningful achievements may already be unfolding in real time. It has made more opportunities available for people who might otherwise be overlooked. 

During each episode, they display some individuals with special needs’ drawings which can be purchased. Additionally, they air a report, the Third Voice, featuring people with disabilities, further reinforcing the show’s mission. Besides awareness, marginalized Lebanese people are getting a fair shot at a normal life. “They have voices, but you don’t hear them. Each one of them resembles us, they have talents, dreams and a desire for careers”.

Each documentary segment follows a young person with special needs pursuing meaningful employment. As a result, two participants have already found work. One man with Trisomy was hired in a restaurant, seeing as he enjoys cooking, and a woman with Autism and hyperactivity landed a job in another restaurant. Thanks to Table 3, people with specific needs and firm determination have a new lease on life.

Table 3 began with a simple question: “How do we slow down in this fast-paced and chaotic world and hear each other out?”. The idea was conceived around one principle: they don’t host guests; they meet with humans. Leaving titles at the door, everyone at the table is equal.