The Iliad: A Radio Drama in Arabic based on Homer's Iliad

The Iliad: A Radio Drama in Arabic

The Egyptian Radio has produced a Radio drama in Arabic based on Homer's Iliad. It is unknown when this drama was broadcasted, but most probably after 1967. This approximate date is based on the fact that Ali Azzab, one of the two writers of the drama, graduated from the higher institute for theatrical fine arts in Cairo in 1967.  The second writer of the drama is Helal Abouamer. No more information is available about the second writer or this adaptation. Fortunately You Tube hosts the full audio (about two hours) of this piece.

According to Wikipedia, a radio drama is "a dramatized, purely acoustic performance, broadcast on radio. With no visual component, radio drama depends on dialogue, music and sound effects to help the listener imagine the characters and story: "It is auditory in the physical dimension but equally powerful as a visual force in the psychological dimension".

Alexander the great, a play by Mustafa Mahmoud

I have just finished reading a short play of four acts titled Alexander the great by the prominent Egyptian writer Mustafa Mahmoud (25 December 1921 – 31 October 2009). Every one in Egypt knows who is Mustafa Mahmoud. According to Wikipedia Mustafa Mahmoud "...wrote 89 books in science, philosophy, religion, politics, and society as well as plays, Tales, and travelogues. His writing style was notable for its simplicity and depth." But I think that few knows about this play. The play was published in 1963 by Dar Al Marefa publishing house. It is an interesting piece of work and worth reading.