Doomed by Hope

Essays on Arab Theatre

Foreword by Elias Khoury Edited by Eyad Houssami

Ebook (VitalSource) - £90.00

Publication date:

09 November 2012

Length of book:

224 pages

Publisher

Pluto Press

ISBN-13: 9781849648295

This is a study of performance during revolution and revolt in the Arab world. Addressing the history of Arab theatre, it centres on legacy of the late Syrian dramatist Saadallah Wannous, whose monumental plays incited audiences to rise up against tyranny decades ago.

With writers from Syria, Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine, Kuwait and Yemen, this book includes both discussions and personal narratives, alongside a number of specially commissioned portraits of contemporary Arab theatre artists.

Exploring cultural practices – from reading plays in a classroom to performing in a security state and directing in theatres, prisons, and international festivals – it uncovers the flourishing of art in times of revolt.
'This is the power of theatre giving voice to the voiceless. Welcome and necessary ... highly recommended'