Why Theatre?—an Editorial
In which the editors of The Markaz Review and playwright Hassan Abdulrazzak present the theatre issue.
TMR 42 • THEATRE
Dare Not Speak—a One-Act Play
A stage director declines producing a play about a child tragically murdered during a genocide, fearing she may appear biased.
As We Near the End (or What Adorno Said)
In his play, Youssef El Guindi debates whether art is merely a distraction or if it can truly change the world.
Theatre is the Thing: TMR’s Best-Books List
Editors at The Markaz Review recommend twelve titles published over a 20-year period presenting a broad range of Middle Eastern plays.
Wajdi Mouawad’s “Controversial” Wedding Day
Al Jadid editor Elie Chalala finds that Lebanese intellectuals’ defense of expat director Wadji Mouawad contrasts with state chokehold on freedom of expression.
What Kind Of Liar Am I?—a Short Play
An original short play by playwright and theatre maker Mona Mansour: "a short, dark confession in a time of catastrophe."
The Return of Danton—a Play by Mudar Alhaggi & Collective Ma’louba
A play about the French Revolution highlights the experiences of Syrian actors and theatre makers as artists in exile.
Noor and Hadi Go to Hogwarts—a Short Play
Lameece Issaq presents a short play borrowing a popular fantasy world.
A Bicentennial Remembrance of Lord Byron, Among Greeks & Turks
Lord Byron, a theatrical poet, created the concept of celebrity and, with his poetry, brought the Ottoman world to European audiences.
Omar Naim Exclusive: Two Films on Beirut & Theatre
Omar Naim set out to create a film about the Lebanese theatre scene where stage honesty clashes with street deceit.
Arab Shakespeare?
Georgina Van Welie, co-founder of Sabab theatre, shares her perspective on the "Arab" Shakespeare Trilogy for the first time
Nothing is Normal, Nothing Is What it Seems (Underground Theatre in Iran After the Woman, Life, Freedom Movement)
An interview with an actress performing on stage in Iran without a hijab and who is no longer taking on roles that require official approval.
Palestine, Political Theatre & the Performance of Queer Solidarity in Jean Genet’s Prisoner of Love
"Prisoner of Love" acknowledges the limitations of language in capturing the reality of the Palestinian revolution, writes Saleem Haddad.
Laughing for Change—Activist Theatre Tours Egypt
Hara TV3 harnessed interactive theatre and comedy to address gender-based violence and FGM in Egypt writes its founder Nada Sabet.