West and Central Asia

Abstract

After centuries of near stagnation, West and Central Asia were awakened by what is commonly called the "shock of modernity. " As is usually the case, this awakening happened by means of war drums encircling our whole macroregion with its three major cultures, Arabic, Persian, and Turkish-Turkic. Zoukak have proved to be one of the longest lasting post-civil war theater troupes who have worked consistently through an ongoing exchange between Lebanon, Europe, the United States, and Asia. They have always incorporated popular literature and topical narratives in their play scripts, ensuring a universal as well as a unique Arab identity. In addition to the role of censorship, the issue of identity in Arab theater has featured quite prominently. This identity no doubt was predominantly Arab male. But since the early 1990s the role of Arab women practitioners has come to the forefront.