Hamlet's Phantom in the Arab World

Abstract

In this paper, we will be providing an overview of Shakespeare's Hamlet presence in the Arab world. The paper provides a brief overview of Arab theater formation and establishment. It provides an understanding of Arabs' reception and perception of Shakespeare's work. It presents the methods of translation used in translating Shakespeare and the sources of the texts used in translation and adaptations. After presenting a brief on translation and adaptation of Shakespeare, we will focus on Hamlet's perception and adaptation in the Arab world. It discusses the reasons and aspects behind Hamlet's popularity and preference by Arabs. It introduces a various of translations and adaptations of Hamlet in Arabic and the sources of the play the writers, critics, and translators relied on. The paper will present Arabs influence and fascination with Hamlet the hero and Hamlet the play itself. Along with presenting a number of adaptations and translations of the play discussing the differences and similarities with Hamlet's Shakespeare. The paper will focus in providing a deep analysis Hamlet Wakes Up Late by the Mamdouh Adwan, as a brief of the play, character analysis, language analysis, and political messages. At last, the paper will provide two adaptations based on Hamlet Wakes Up Late, which are an adaptation by Cornell University having the same title, and another one titled Hamlet A While After by the Jordanian Zaid Khalil Mustafa. The study shows how the different sources of the play, the difference in language perception, religion, culture, society, and politics play an important role in translation, appropriation and adaptation of Shakespeare in general and Hamlet in specific. It also highlights on the importance of the play within the Arab world and how it is present in many forms and aspects of Arabs.