Modern Arabic Drama: An Anthology

by Salma Khadra Jayyusi (Editor), Roger Allen (Editor)

Overview

Translations of twelve popular Arabic plays written and produced during the past thirty years introduce English readers to the vibrant theater scene of the Arab world. The plays—from Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Tunisia—reflect a variety of dramatic trends and styles and provide insights into contemporary social, cultural, and political currents. This well-prepared anthology represents a unique contribution to the study of world drama and modern Middle Eastern culture.

Playwrights include Yusuf al-Ani, Abd al-Aziz al-Surayii, the Balalin Company of Jerusalem, Izz al-Din al-Madani, Mahmud Diyab, Alfred Farag, Walid Ikhlasi, Isam Mahfuz, Salah Abd al-Sabur, Ali Salim, Mamduh Udwan, and Sadallah Wannus.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780253209733
Publisher:	Indiana University Press
Publication date:	12/22/1995
Series:	Indiana University Series in Middle East Studies
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	432
Product dimensions:	6.50(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

SALMA KHADRA JAYYUSI, Palestinian poet, critic, and scholar, is founder and director of PROTA (Project of Translation from Arabic). She is the editor of Modern Arabic Poetry, The Literature of Modern Arabia, Anthology of Modern Palestinian Literature, and The Legacy of Muslim Spain.

Roger Allen is Professor of Arabic at the University of Pennsylvania. His books include The Arabic Novel: An Historical and Critical Introduction and Modern Arabic Literature.

Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction by M. M. Badawi
The Balalin Company of Jerusalem Darkness
'Isam Mahfuz The China Tree
Mamduh 'Udwan That's Life
'Izz al-Din al-Madani The Zanj Revolution
'Abd al-'Aziz al-Srayii' The Bird Has Flown
Sa'dallah Wannus The King Is the King
Walid Ikhlasi The Straight Path
Yusuf al-'Ani The Key
Salah 'Abd al-Sabur Night Traveler
Alfred Farag 'Ali Janah al-Tabrizi and His Servant Quffa
'Ali Salem The Comedy of Oedipus: You've Killed the Beast
Mahmud Diyab Strangers Don't Drink Coffee
Notes on Authors, Translators, and Editors
Arabic Titles of Plays and Authors' Names Transliterated

Editorial Reviews

The development of modern Arabic drama parallels the independence movement in Arab nations that followed World War II. Because of government censorship, Arab playwrights have often used symbolism and historical settings to convey their messages safely. Drawing together 12 plays from Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Tunisia, this collection fairly represents the range of playwrighting that has evolved under these conditions over the past 30 years. Included are verse plays such as Abd al-Sabur's Night Traveler, historical dramas like Ali Salim's The Comedy of Oedipus, and Sadallah Wannus's political drama, The King's the King. Mahmud Diyab's Strangers Don't Drink Coffee deals with the effect of totalitarianism on an ordinary citizen. This solid collection recognizes the richness and diversity of Arabic drama and will be a useful addition to literary collections in both academic and public libraries, especially those serving Arabic populations.Howard E. Miller, Alliance Blue Cross & Blue Shield Lib., St. Louis

Library Journal