Modern Arabic Drama: An Anthology (Indiana Series in Arab and Islamic Studies) [Paperback]

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

Book Description

Publication Date: December 22, 1995 | ISBN-10: 0253209730 | ISBN-13: 978-0253209733

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 Sa`dallah Wannus.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

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
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"... extremely valuable." --Comparative Drama "This essential collection captures the range of exciting new plays from the Arab world." --Chicago Tribune "... a major contribution to World drama ..." --Essays in Theatre/Etudes theatrales "A dynamically important asset for the study of theater and drama, modern literature, the Middle East, and comparative literature ... " --Choice

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Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Indiana University Press (December 22, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0253209730
• ISBN-13: 978-0253209733
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #629,927 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible Eye Opening, March 6, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Modern Arabic Drama: An Anthology (Indiana Series in Arab and Islamic Studies) (Paperback)

This is a wonderful selection of modern arabic drama...so different from western drama and really shows the arab point of view. Very moving. especially piece like Darkness, The CHina Tree, and Night Traveller.