Arab theatre and plays: developmental stages and challenges

Abstract

Arab stage plays took their time in the development and making their place in the world throughout the ancient times. The article shines a light on the phases and struggles Arab theatre went through in making such majestic art and performances that are a source of entertainment for people from all over the world. Mainly the struggles were because of religious issues that initiated many other issues like the censorship and not having enough popularity in the Arab states that put up a limit to the theatre establishments forcing the artists to make journeys in order to seek their audience as many things did not sit well in the mindsets of the religious Arabs. However, later on, the theatre started stretching its roots in the hearts of the audience. Performances like Shadow Puppetry and Passion plays took over many viewers and became an important part of the Arab culture. One of the most important eras in the history of Arabic drama development was that of the Egyptian era, which holds a reputation to this time and tells a lot of religious and historic stories through its innovative art play. The article also highlights the great contribution of Ibn Danyal Al-Khuzai to the plays through his three phenomenal theatre scripts that were enacted upon by many diverse cultures and ethnicities, furthermore, the influence Western drama culture made in Arab states and its impact that came with series of events.