Overview

Cultural expressions of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have a rich tradition, communal narratives, and spiritual connectivity. This tapestry, distinct from the secular drama prevalent in Western cultures, is a unique blend of indigenous traditions and Western influences. This book introduces the rich and diverse theatrical practices developed and matured in the region from the nineteenth to twenty-first centuries. The introduction of Western-style theatre in the nineteenth century marked a shift from traditional entertainment forms. In the twentieth century, subjects of colonialism, nationalism, independence, and Islamic ideology have often dominated the theatrical discourse, reflecting the region’s socio-political realities. The book’s final section looks at theatre from a twenty-first global perspective, including the crucial role of the diaspora. This book shows how colonialism, Islamic ideology, politics, war, refugee crisis, and nationalism have permeated MENA’s theatre in the past and have continued to shape it in the present.

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9798881800956

Table of Contents

Reviews

Kiani offers invaluable insights into cultural contexts, historical influences, and contemporary theatre trends in the Middle East and North Africa. The book explores Middle Eastern theatre's key figures, movements, and storytelling techniques as a source of inspiration and reference for theatre practitioners everywhere. This book also stands out as a vital resource for theatre students and researchers of theatre history, focusing exclusively on MENA theatre--a significant area often overlooked in English-language theatre textbooks. --Sahar Assaf, executive artistic director, Golden Thread Productions The Evolution of Theatre and Drama in the Middle East and North Africa offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the theatrical traditions in this region. Kiani takes you beyond the illusion of perpetual political conflicts to a collage of cultural confluences where the nuances of diverse theatrical lore play and dance on every page of this extraordinary feat. --Zaman Stanizai, professor of political science, Islamic mysticism, and poetry, The Pacifica Graduate Institute Ali Kiani's The Evolution of Theatre and Drama in the Middle East and North Africa fills a gap in contemporary scholarship on dramatic literature from this region and will help increase awareness of theatre and performance in all nations bordering the Mediterranean Sea. --Ron Popenhagen, author of Modernist Disguise: Masquerade in Modern Performance and Visual Culture Kiani provides a much-needed overview of the development of drama and theater in the MENA region. Written in a clear, lively, and erudite style, this book reveals the vibrant variety of forms, strategies, and agendas motivating and distinguishing drama and theater in the vast region. This book is a fundamental resource for students and scholars of theater history. --Karl Toepfer, professor emeritus, theater arts, San Jose State University Thisis an indispensable exploration of cultural heritage and artistic expression within a region rich with history and diversity. A compelling resource for scholars, artists, and enthusiasts alike, it underscores the enduring significance of theatre as a reflection of human experience and a catalyst for dialogue and understanding. --Hassan Fayyad, professor of cinema and theatre, University of Tehran

The Evolution of Theatre and Drama in the Middle East and North Africa offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the theatrical traditions in this region. Kiani takes you beyond the illusion of perpetual political conflicts to a collage of cultural confluences where the nuances of diverse theatrical lore play and dance on every page of this extraordinary feat. The Evolution of Theatre and Drama in the Middle East and North Africa offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the theatrical traditions in this region. Kiani takes you beyond the illusion of perpetual political conflicts to a collage of cultural confluences where the nuances of diverse theatrical lore play and dance on every page of this extraordinary feat. --Zaman Stanizai, professor of political science, Islamic mysticism, and poetry, The Pacifica Graduate Institute Ali Kiani's The Evolution of Theatre and Drama in the Middle East and North Africa fills a gap in contemporary scholarship on dramatic literature from this region and will help increase awareness of theatre and performance in all nations bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Ali Kiani's The Evolution of Theatre and Drama in the Middle East and North Africa fills a gap in contemporary scholarship on dramatic literature from this region and will help increase awareness of theatre and performance in all nations bordering the Mediterranean Sea. --Ron Popenhagen, author of Modernist Disguise: Masquerade in Modern Performance and Visual Culture Kiani offers invaluable insights into cultural contexts, historical influences, and contemporary theatre trends in the Middle East and North Africa. The book explores Middle Eastern theatre's key figures, movements, and storytelling techniques as a source of inspiration and reference for theatre practitioners everywhere. This book also stands out as a vital resource for theatre students and researchers of theatre history, focusing exclusively on MENA theatre--a significant area often overlooked in English-language theatre textbooks. Kiani offers invaluable insights into cultural contexts, historical influences, and contemporary theatre trends in the Middle East and North Africa. The book explores Middle Eastern theatre's key figures, movements, and storytelling techniques as a source of inspiration and reference for theatre practitioners everywhere. This book also stands out as a vital resource for theatre students and researchers of theatre history, focusing exclusively on MENA theatre--a significant area often overlooked in English-language theatre textbooks. --Sahar Assaf, executive artistic director, Golden Thread Productions Kiani provides a much-needed overview of the development of drama and theater in the MENA region. Written in a clear, lively, and erudite style, this book reveals the vibrant variety of forms, strategies, and agendas motivating and distinguishing drama and theater in the vast region. This book is a fundamental resource for students and scholars of theater history. Kiani provides a much-needed overview of the development of drama and theater in the MENA region. Written in a clear, lively, and erudite style, this book reveals the vibrant variety of forms, strategies, and agendas motivating and distinguishing drama and theater in the vast region. This book is a fundamental resource for students and scholars of theater history. --Karl Toepfer, professor emeritus, theater arts, San Jose State University Thisis an indispensable exploration of cultural heritage and artistic expression within a region rich with history and diversity. A compelling resource for scholars, artists, and enthusiasts alike, it underscores the enduring significance of theatre as a reflection of human experience and a catalyst for dialogue and understanding. Thisis an indispensable exploration of cultural heritage and artistic expression within a region rich with history and diversity. A compelling resource for scholars, artists, and enthusiasts alike, it underscores the enduring significance of theatre as a reflection of human experience and a catalyst for dialogue and understanding. --Hassan Fayyad, professor of cinema and theatre, University of Tehran

The Evolution of Theatre and Drama in the Middle East and North Africa offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the theatrical traditions in this region. Kiani takes you beyond the illusion of perpetual political conflicts to a collage of cultural confluences where the nuances of diverse theatrical lore play and dance on every page of this extraordinary feat. --Zaman Stanizai, professor of political science, Islamic mysticism, and poetry, The Pacifica Graduate Institute Ali Kiani's The Evolution of Theatre and Drama in the Middle East and North Africa fills a gap in contemporary scholarship on dramatic literature from this region and will help increase awareness of theatre and performance in all nations bordering the Mediterranean Sea. --Ron Popenhagen, author of Modernist Disguise: Masquerade in Modern Performance and Visual Culture Kiani provides a much-needed overview of the development of drama and theater in the MENA region. Written in a clear, lively, and erudite style, this book reveals the vibrant variety of forms, strategies, and agendas motivating and distinguishing drama and theater in the vast region. This book is a fundamental resource for students and scholars of theater history. --Karl Toepfer, professor emeritus, theater arts, San Jose State University Thisis an indispensable exploration of cultural heritage and artistic expression within a region rich with history and diversity. A compelling resource for scholars, artists, and enthusiasts alike, it underscores the enduring significance of theatre as a reflection of human experience and a catalyst for dialogue and understanding. --Hassan Fayyad, professor of cinema and theatre, University of Tehran

Author Information

Ali Kiani was awarded a post-doctoral program in the study of non-Western Theatre and Drama by the UCLA Theatre Department in 1986. He has taught theatre and humanities at UCLA, California State University, and Los Angeles Community Colleges since 1988. He has written plays, screenplays, and documentaries that were published and produced. A Tale of Bondage was awarded the Best Thriller Screenplay at the Cannes Film Awards (2023). Fire Under the Ashes was awarded the Best Screenplay in Drama at the Berlin International Scriptwriting Festival in 2023.

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