The Evolution of Theatre and Drama in the Middle East and North Africa

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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 <i>Modernist Disguise: Masquerade in Modern Performance and Visual Culture</i> 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 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 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 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