Features translations of twelve popular Arabic plays, introducing readers to the vibrant theater scene of the Arab world. The plays from Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Tunisia reflect a variety of trends and styles and provide insights into contemporary social, cultural, and political currents.

The China tree /ʻIsam Mahfuz -- That's life / Mamduh ʻUdwan -- The king is the king / Saʻdallah Wannus -- The path / Walid Ishlasi -- The Zanj revolution / ʻIzz al-Din al-Madani -- Darkness / The Balalin Company of Jerusalem -- The bird has flown / ʻAbd al-ʻAziz al-Surayyiʻ -- The key / Yusuf al-ʻAni -- Night traveler / Salah ʻAbd al-Sabur -- ʻAli Janah al-Tabrizi and his servant Quffa / Alfred Farag -- The comedy of Oedipus : you're the one who killed the beast / ʻAli Salim -- Strangers don't drink coffee / Mahmud Diyab.