ABSTRACT
A great deal of academic energy has gone into the question of whether or not an authentic Arabic drama exists. Almost every study, regardless of its focus, on the subject of Arabic drama, for that is how this theatre is usually labeled, devotes a chapter to this question. As with other areas of this research, the discourse is mired in problems of terminology and of flawed assumptions, made by researchers in and out of the region, as to what might constitute Arabic drama. Perhaps a day will come when this reflex to defend or debunk the juxtaposition of “Arabic+drama” will dissipate, but this study cannot completely avoid the issue.
