REVIEWS
The Evolution of Theatre and Drama in the Middle East and North Africa
“Ali Kiani's The Evolution of Theatre and Drama in the Middle East and North Africa fills a gap in contemporary scholarship on dramatic literature from this region and will help increase awareness of theatre and performance in all nations bordering the Mediterranean Sea.”
Dr. Ron Popenhagen, author of Modernist Disguise: Masquerade in Modern Performance and Visual Culture
“Kiani provides a much-needed overview of the development of drama and theater in the MENA region. Written in a clear, lively, and erudite style, this book reveals the vibrant variety of forms, strategies, and agendas motivating and distinguishing drama and theater in the vast region. This book is a fundamental resource for students and scholars of theater history.”
Dr. Karl Toepfer, author of Empire of Ecstasy, professor emeritus, Theatre Arts, San Jose State University
“The Evolution of Theatre and Drama in the Middle East and North Africa offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the theatrical traditions in this region. Kiani takes you beyond the illusion of perpetual political conflicts to a collage of cultural confluences where the nuances of diverse theatrical lore play and dance on every page of this extraordinary feat.”
Dr. Zaman Stanizai, professor of political science, Islamic mysticism, and poetry at the Pacifica Graduate Institute
“Kiani offers invaluable insights into cultural contexts, historical influences, and contemporary theatre trends in the Middle East and North Africa. The book explores Middle Eastern theatre’s key figures, movements, and storytelling techniques as a source of inspiration and reference for theatre practitioners everywhere. This book also stands out as a vital resource for theatre students and researchers of theatre history, focusing exclusively on MENA theatre—a significant area often overlooked in English-language theatre textbooks.”
Professor Sahar Assaf, executive artistic director, Golden Thread Productions
“This is an indispensable exploration of cultural heritage and artistic expression within a region rich with history and diversity. A compelling resource for scholars, artists, and enthusiasts alike, it underscores the enduring significance of theatre as a reflection of human experience and a catalyst for dialogue and understanding.”
Professor Fayyad, Writer-Producer and Director of an award-winning documentary in Persian literature and cinema
Around the World in Seven Acts
“Around the World in Seven Acts is a very interesting collection of plays, drawing on diverse subject matter, cultures, and theatric traditions. [Kiani] is to be commended for the imagination and humanism implicit in embarking on such a project.”
Geffen Playhouse, Los Angeles
“Around the World in Seven Acts is a remarkable work, impressive in its scope, and commendable in its commitment to the world theater traditions.”
Literary Manager, East West Players
“The Golden Canary is an enjoyable piece of work...this is done with the simplicity and forcefulness of a folktale. An excellent give-and-take between the performers is supplemented by mock Japanese music.”
Los Angeles Reader
“Lost in the Bush is captivating...terrific and wonderful.”
The Daily Sundial, CSUN
“The wide range of cultural folktales from which [Mr. Kiani] draws for this collection are commendable. Despite their differences in subject matter and style, a commonality makes them pertinent to today’s society.”
Mark Taper Forum
Screenplays
"A Dull House is entertaining, thought-provoking, and well assembled."
Alliance Atlantic Film of Canada
"A Dull House is considered for the American Spectrum Section of the Sundance Festival."
Geoffrey Gilmore, Director of Sundance Film Festival
“The Spell of the West stood out among many exceptional entries, and we selected it as the best screenplay for its creativity, originality, and compelling story.”