A Pioneer of Reform and Renewal in Modern Arabic Drama: An Analytical Study of Tawfīq al-Ḥakīm’s Artistic Vision

رائد الإصلاح والتجديد في المسرح العربي الحديث: دراسة تحليلية للرؤية الفنية لتوفيق الحكيم

Abstract

Arab writers and critics widely regard Tawfīq al-Ḥakīm (1898–1987) as one of the most prominent Egyptian writers and dramatists of the modern era. His name became closely associated with the development of modern Arabic drama through his works, which brought together intellectual thought, literature, and theatrical art. His dramatic experience was characterized by an effort to draw upon Arab and Islamic heritage, as well as world literature and theatre, while reshaping what he drew from these sources in light of the Arab cultural and social context. This makes the study of his experience particularly significant for examining the manifestations of reform and renewal that emerged in his dramatic writing. Tawfīq al-Ḥakīm holds a distinctive place in the history of modern Arabic drama, particularly for his efforts to introduce new artistic and intellectual perspectives into Arabic literary expression. His dramatic works reflect a creative interaction between Arab cultural heritage and the traditions of Western and world drama. This research examines his contribution to reform and renewal in modern Arabic drama through a descriptive-analytical reading of selected plays. Particular attention is given to characterization, dialogue, dramatic conflict, symbolism, setting, and other expressive techniques that shape his dramatic vision. The analysis demonstrates that al-Ḥakīm did not merely imitate Western dramatic models; instead, he adapted and transformed them according to the cultural and intellectual context of Arab society. His plays address a broad range of social, philosophical, intellectual, and political concerns, often using symbolism, irony, and intellectual dialogue to explore human experiences and social realities. The research also highlights his engagement with Arab-Islamic heritage and his influence on subsequent generations of Arab playwrights. It concludes that al-Ḥakīm made a significant contribution to the artistic and intellectual development of Arabic drama and helped establish it as a mature literary form capable of expressing the changing concerns and aspirations of modern Arab society.