The Language of Theatre and the Question of Identity

A Study of Selected Critical Writings 1923–1952

Abstract

This study explores how the debate over Classical Arabic versus colloquial dialect in Egyptian theatre (1923–1952) reflected broader questions of identity, nationalism, and cultural revival. The issue was not merely linguistic, but deeply tied to competing visions of Egyptian, Arab, and Islamic identity. Some saw Classical Arabic as a symbol of heritage and refinement; others viewed colloquial Arabic as a more authentic expression of daily life. A third group proposed a balanced approach based on the theatre play’s context. The findings reveal that language choice in theatre was shaped by political, religious, and social ideologies, and that the debate extended beyond art into struggles over colonial resistance and cultural sovereignty. Ultimately, this controversy helped shape the foundational principles of modern Egyptian theatre.