Staging Revolutions and the Many Faces of Modernism: Performing Politics in Irish and Egyptian Theatre

The book explores the political power of theatre, comparing Irish and Egyptian theatre traditions and their relevance in today's world. It uses selected plays to examine the political aesthetics of unsteady times and disparate places, focusing on the dynamics of revolt as a staged act. The book also examines how playwrights from both nations have engaged with theatre as a medium, highlighting the transformative role it has played in shaping history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 170 pages
Publication date: 25 April 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The book delves into the profound impact of theatre, with its inherent capacity for performance, on the politics of its time. It serves as a gateway for the reader to explore the revolutionary traditions of Egyptian and Irish theatre, each with its distinct history and culture, and understand their enduring relevance in the modern world. The volume takes Ireland as a case study, examining the intricate interplay between cultural nationalism and politically engaged theatre. It compares this to the role of theatre in Egypt during its Golden era in the 1960s.

Through a diverse selection of Egyptian plays by renowned authors such as Tawfiq al-Hakim, Mikhail Roman, Yusuf Idris, and Salah Abdul-Saboor, alongside Irish plays by Brian Friel, Frank McGuinness, Christina Reid, and Samuel Beckett, the book charts the political aesthetics of unsteady times and seemingly disparate places. It reflects on the dynamics of revolt as a staged act in and of itself. Furthermore, the book delves into how playwrights from both nations have approached theatre as a medium, exploring how their contemplations, hesitations, frustrations, and protests have been translated onto the stage in their various plays. It comprehends the transformative role that theatre has always played in politics, shaping history across time and space.

By bridging discussions on transnational modernisms with nuanced cultural histories of protest, this critical work appeals to scholars and researchers in the fields of literary studies, identity politics, cultural studies, theatre and performance studies, and political studies. It offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between theatre, politics, and society, and its potential for fostering social change and understanding.

Weight: 280g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032728902