James Al-Shamma – författare

Although not yet 40, two-time Pulitzer finalist Sarah Ruhl has established herself as one of America's most innovative and productive playwrights. She is known for charting complex currents of desire and broaching weighty topics such as bereavement with a light, whimsical touch. This critical volume represents the first full-length, comprehensive study of her work. The text tracks the evolution of her style and aesthetic, situates her body of work within the American theatre scene, investigates her influences, and analyzes her plays in depth, including Eurydice, The Clean House, Passion Play, and In the Next Room or the vibrator play.

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. Featuring 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 unfold. Unique, 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.Cover artwork by Angham Al-Zubaidy.

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. Featuring 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 unfold. Unique, 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.Cover artwork by Angham Al-Zubaidy.

Contemporary Plays from Iraq is a ground-breaking collection of Middle Eastern drama translated into English for the very first time. With works from both established and emerging male and female playwrights, written in country and in exile, this volume offers current Iraqi perspectives on a war and occupation that have significantly impacted the Middle East and the rest of the world. Dealing exclusively with contemporary plays originating from Iraq, this anthology gives under-studied Arabic political theatre the attention it deserves and provides a general introduction that sets the plays within their cultural and historical contexts. The plays are preceded by introductions from the playwrights themselves, further enriching each piece for the enjoyment and understanding of the reader.The volume is introduced and translated by James Al-Shamma, Assistant Professor at Belmont University, US, and A. Al-Azraki, an Iraqi playwright.

Contemporary Plays from Iraq is a ground-breaking collection of Middle Eastern drama translated into English for the very first time. With works from both established and emerging male and female playwrights, written in country and in exile, this volume offers current Iraqi perspectives on a war and occupation that have significantly impacted the Middle East and the rest of the world. Dealing exclusively with contemporary plays originating from Iraq, this anthology gives under-studied Arabic political theatre the attention it deserves and provides a general introduction that sets the plays within their cultural and historical contexts. The plays are preceded by introductions from the playwrights themselves, further enriching each piece for the enjoyment and understanding of the reader.The volume is introduced and translated by James Al-Shamma, Assistant Professor at Belmont University, US, and A. Al-Azraki, an Iraqi playwright.