Contemporary plays from Iraq. Volume II / translated and edited by Jawad al-Assadi and Jeffery P. Casey.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

al-Assadi, Jawad, contributor.

Al-Azraki, Amir, editor of compilation.

Al-Majidi, Khazal, contributor.

al-Rubai, Abdul Razaq, contributor.

Al-Zaidi, Ali Abdel-Nabi, contributor.

AlRamadhani, Nahedh, contributor.

Altaee, Faten, contributor.

Casey, Jeffery P., editor.

Hadi, Muhaned Al, contributor.

Rashid, Atyaf, contributor.

Series:

Methuen Drama Play Collections.

Methuen Drama Play Collections

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Arabic drama--Iraq.

Arabic drama.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (216 pages)

Edition:

1st ed.

Distribution:

London : Bloomsbury Publishing (UK), 2026.

Place of Publication:

London : Methuen Drama, 2025.

System Details:

text file rdaft

Summary:

Eleven plays that respond to the aftermath of the American-led invasion, providing a window into Iraq's cultural and theatrical landscape during a time of profound change. Standing as a testament to Iraq's enduring spirit and its deep-rooted tradition of political theatre, this volume expands on the previous instalment, showcasing the themes and dramatic styles that help define the country's art. From grappling with trauma, terrorism, and alienation to portraying love, resilience, and resistance, these plays offer a vivid portrayal of post-invasion Iraq, serving as an essential anthology for theatre enthusiasts, Middle Eastern theatre students, and anyone curious about the human stories emerging from this turbulent period. More than a collection of plays though, each work includes a personal introduction by its playwright, shedding light on their creative motivations and the historical backdrop that inspired these powerful pieces. Through these translated plays, Contemporary Plays from Iraq Volume II brings to the forefront narratives often overlooked or silenced, highlighting on the experiences of those marginalized by conflict, extremism, and societal norms. Featureing a general introduction that provides a more focused exploration of the issues, themes, challenges, and dramatic styles that define contemporary theatre in Iraq after the war, as well as serves as a vital roadmap for understanding the broader context in which these plays unfoldUnique, comprehensive, and diverse in its exploration of Iraqi theatre, and enriched by the insights of the playwrights themselves, this is a collection of voices that deserve to be heard and understood.

Contents:

Cover

Halftitle page

Title page

Copyright page

Contents

Foreword

Biographies

General Introduction by Amir Al-Azraki and James Al-Shamma

Themes and issues

Theatrical and dramatic styles

Introduction to A Cemetery

A Cemetery by Ali Al-Abadi

Introduction to Robots

Robots by Faten Al-Taee

Introduction to Women of War

Women of War by Jawad Al-Asadi

Introduction to The Mug

The Mug by Amir Al-Azraki

Introduction to Azrael

Azrael by Mithal Ghazi

Introduction to Almas

Almas by Muhaned Al-Hadi

Introduction to Sardanbāl

Sardanapalus by Khazal Al-Majidi

Introduction to The Clock

The Clock by Nahedh Al-Ramadhani

Introduction to The Curse of Chopin

The Curse of Chopin by Atyaf Rashid

Introduction to Princes of Hell

Princes of Hell by Abdul Razaq Al-Rubai

Introduction to Counterfeit

Counterfeit by Ali Abdel-Nabi Al-Zaidi.

ISBN:

1-350-46530-5

1-350-46528-3

1-350-46529-1

OCLC:

1499722150