Lebanese Thespian Aida Sabra Blossoms in International Career
Acclaimed by French critics for her performance in Wajdi Mouawad’s "Mère," Aida Sabra stars in a play on domestic violence.
Theatre
The Contemporary Literary Scene in Iran
Salar Abdoh reports from Tehran on the beauty and complexity of Iranian literature that thrives despite warring factions.
World Picks From the Editors, Sept 29—Oct 15, 2023
A Markaz Review bi-weekly roundup of our editors' favorite selections from within the global arts and culture scene.
Jenin’s Freedom Theatre Survives Another Assault
Hadani Ditmars reports on a legendary Palestinian theatre in Jenin that has nine lives and gives hope to the refugee camp's youth.
STAMP ME—a monologue by Yussef El Guindi
Yussef El Guindi explores an anxious traveler's mind racing with thoughts of what to say as he faces border and customs control.
The Ship No One Wanted—a story by Hassan Abdulrazak
Can a crush on a teacher survive marriage, revolution, and a sinking, refugee dingy on the Mediterranean Sea?
Arab Theatre Grapples With Climate Change, Borders, War & Love
London-based Iraqi playwright Hassan Abdulrazak enthuses on the 2023 Shubbak theatre arts extravaganza, June 23-July 9.
Earth Strikes Back
Malu Halasa finds that when it comes to Mother Earth, some artists say it's time we go from vile consumers to gentle caretakers of the planet.
“Holy Land”—short fiction from Asim Rizki
Amal, a student who lives in a Palestinian refugee camp, takes up drama as an outlet for the Occupation blues, but is dealt a sad surprise.
Iraqi Diaspora Playwrights Hassan Abdulrazzak & Jasmine Naziha Jones: Use Your Anger as Fuel
Sparks fly when two UK-based Iraqi diaspora playwrights discuss how the art of theatre addresses Iraqi pain with both comedy and drama.
Abundant Middle Eastern Talent at the ’22 Avignon Theatre Fest
Nada Ghosn revels in the artistry of Palestinian, Iranian, Lebanese, Afghan and other playwrights and performers in Avignon this year.
Reza Abdoh: L.A.’s Theatre Visionary
Playwright and theatre director Reza Abdoh left his mark on Los Angeles and national theatre culture, as actor-writer Juliana Francis Kelly recounts in her look back on their collaborative relationship.
Wajdi Mouawad, Just the Playwright for Our Dystopian World
Wajdi Mouawad has shaken Western theatre out of its rigid rules, bringing a dream-infused approach, odes to childhood's energy and a sense of adventure, rooted in his Lebanese culture and fascination for great Greek tragedies.