Basra: A recent literary session at the Basra Writers Union delved into the concept and historical development of theatrical texts. The event, organized by the Cinema and Theater Forum at the Union of Writers and Authors in Basra, was titled “The Theatrical Text: Its Concept and Historical Writing Methods.” It featured a lecture by Dr. Talib Hashim Badan and was moderated by artist Majid Abdulwahid. The session saw attendance from numerous writers and intellectuals of Basra, including the head of the Union, poet Ali Al-Imara.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Dr. Badan began the session by exploring the origins and evolution of theatrical texts, tracing back to the Greek era. He highlighted the works of early playwrights such as Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides in tragedy, and Aristophanes in comedy, while also examining Aristotle’s influential theories and rules as outlined in his Poetics. Dr. Badan further elaborated on the impact of the Roman era on Greek theatrical writings, noting the era’s traditionalism and adherence to classical rules, including the three unities. He then moved through the Middle Ages, discussing the Church’s role in theater and the prominence of religious and Enlightenment themes, culminating in the Shakespearean era, a pivotal period in theater’s historical development.
Dr. Badan explained the shift towards contemporary realism in theater, which aligned more closely with human experiences and psychological and social crises. This transition brought about significant transformations in theatrical form, driven by diverse writing approaches and varied intellectual and aesthetic visions. Theater artist Adel Al-Jubouri contributed a paper on the history of playwriting in Iraq and Basra, highlighting the challenges playwrights face in adopting new ideas and moving beyond Western theatrical constraints.
Critic and academic Dr. Haider Ali Al-Asadi discussed major transformations in theater, from traditional classical units to Eugene Scribe’s innovations in the well-crafted play, and Henrik Ibsen’s move towards realism and prosaic theater, diverging from poetic dominance. Al-Asadi explained Ibsen’s realist phase, marked by the use of prose that resonated with the language of everyday life. He also addressed Bertolt Brecht’s epic theater, which broke away from Aristotelian conventions to promote change over assimilation or catharsis.
Al-Asadi also explored the quest for a unique Arab theater identity, referencing Tawfiq al-Hakim’s intellectual theater and Abdulkarim Barshid’s celebratory theater based on folklore and spectacle. Jamal al-Abed contributed a paper on several Basra playwrights, including Jabbar Sabri al-Atiya and others, while short story writer Mohammed Khudair discussed emerging theatrical genres like monodrama and street theater, advocating for a distinct Iraqi theater identity compatible with audience demands.
Writer Nawal Jawad emphasized the significance of the storyteller’s role in theatrical activities, calling for its integration into academic and specialist programs. Suhad Abdul-Razzaq presented on the need for experimentation and youth support in street theater projects, aiming to align with public interests and raise awareness on various topics.
Concluding the session, moderator Majid Abdul-Wahid thanked the Union of Writers and Authors in Basra for hosting the event, which he said contributes to enhancing theatrical culture and revitalizing the literary and artistic movement in the province.