Product Description
by Ali Kiani (Author)
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.
Author Biography
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.
