Editing Arabs (section)

=== Theatre ===
{{main|Experimental theatre in the Arab world}}
[[File:Yousef_wahby.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Youssef Wahbi]], (1898–1982) was a prominent Arab playwright, actor, and director who played a major role in shaping modern Arab theatre.]]
Arab theatre is a rich and diverse cultural form that encompasses a wide range of styles, genres, and historical influences. Its roots in the pre-Islamic era, when poetry, storytelling, and musical performances were the main forms of artistic expressionIt refers to theatrical performances that are created by Arab playwrights, actors, and directors. The roots of Arab theatre can be traced back to ancient [[Arabic poetry]] and storytelling, which often incorporated music and dance. In the [[Historiography of early Islam|early Arabic period]], storytelling evolved into a more formalized art form that was performed in public gatherings and festivals.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Arab theatre|url=https://al-bab.com/arts-and-culture/arab-theatre|access-date=19 March 2023|website=al-bab.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Ḥamdān|first=Masʻūd|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/60697132|title=Poetics, politics and protest in Arab theatre : the bitter cup and the holy rain|date=2006|publisher=Sussex Academic Press|isbn=1845191064|location=Brighton [England]|oclc=60697132}}</ref>

During the [[Islamic Golden Age]] in the 8th and 9th centuries, the city of [[Baghdad]] emerged as a hub of intellectual and artistic activity, including theatre. The court of the Abbasid Caliphate was home to many influential playwrights and performers, who helped to develop and popularize theatre throughout the Islamic world. Arab theatre has a long tradition of incorporating comedy and satire into its performances, often using humor to address social and political issues.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Guo|first=Li|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1157810700|title=Arabic shadow theatre, 1300–1900 : a handbook|date=2020|isbn=978-9004436152|location=Leiden|oclc=1157810700}}</ref>

Arab theatre encompasses a wide range of dramatic genres, including tragedy, melodrama, and historical plays. Many Arab playwrights have used drama to address contemporary issues, the role of [[Women in the Arab world|women in Arab society]], and the challenges facing young people in the modern world. In recent decades, many Arab theatre artists have pushed the boundaries of the form, experimenting with new styles and techniques. This has led to the emergence of a vibrant contemporary theatre scene in many Arab countries, with innovative productions and performances that challenge traditional notions of Arab identity and culture.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000109545|title=The Birth of modern Arab theatre|last=Maleh|first=Ghassan|magazine=The UNESCO Courier|year=1997|access-date=31 March 2023}}</ref>