Traumatic experiences : a study in selected plays of Iraqi contemporary protest theatre

Abstract EN

As theatrical performances become part of the national heritage of any nation, contemporary performances play a vital role in framing people's mind, culture and actions.

Theatre in Iraq passed through very crucial moments in its contemporary time under authoritarian governments, a series of devastating wars, military occupation, civil strife and ongoing political corruption.

These conditions left its tremendous echo on that theatre.

Yet, some playwrights were able to develop a significant contemporary theatre to reflect important aspects of the Iraqi culture through communicating social, political and ideological messages on stage.

This paper responds to the significant theatrical performances that reflect people awareness of their crisis in Iraq through two plays (Al-Ameri's Karouk (A Cradle) 2001 and Alzaidi's Summer Rain 2011).

In general, the two plays presented their themes as allegories.

Both show how powerful Iraqi theatre in providing a voice of protest against war even amidst continuous tragic circumstances of this long-suffering country.

They also try to present a set of implications on the tragedy of war, and its impacts on ordinary people in Iraq through the protagonists of the two plays.

As theatrical performances become part of the national heritage of any nation, contemporary performances play a vital role in framing people's mind, culture and actions.

Theatre in Iraq passed through very crucial moments in its contemporary time under authoritarian governments, a series of devastating wars, military occupation, civil strife and ongoing political corruption.

These conditions left its tremendous echo on that theatre.

Yet, some playwrights were able to develop a significant contemporary theatre to reflect important aspects of the Iraqi culture through communicating social, political and ideological messages on stage.

This paper responds to the significant theatrical performances that reflect people awareness of their crisis in Iraq through two plays (Al-Ameri's Karouk (A Cradle) 2001 and Alzaidi's Summer Rain 2011).

In general, the two plays presented their themes as allegories.

Both show how powerful Iraqi theatre in providing a voice of protest against war even amidst continuous tragic circumstances of this long-suffering country.

They also try to present a set of implications on the tragedy of war, and its impacts on ordinary people in Iraq through the protagonists of the two plays.