News

How Western theatre portrays Islam

The Brussels attacks have again thrust Islamic terrorists centre stage, and the way Western theatre portrays Muslims may be part of the problem.

23 Mar 2016

Michael Lueger

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Writing and Publishing

John Douglas Thompson in rehearsal for Tamburlaine, Parts I and II. Photo by Gerry Goldstein

The place of Muslims in Western society has recently been a hot-button issue in the theatre. According to American Theatre magazine, the play most frequently produced by regional companies this season is Ayad Akhtar’s Disgraced, the Pulitzery-winning drama about the struggles and dilemmas faced by Muslim Americans. The play, which has already had Off-Broadway and Off-West End seasons, is also part of the Melbourne Theatre Company’s 2016 season.

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Michael Lueger

About the Author

Michael Lueger is an adjunct professor at Emerson College and Northeastern University, where he teaches theatre history. His blog “Abstract and Brief” features images and essays on theatre history. His work has appeared in a variety of peer-reviewed publications, such as the recent Oxford Handbook of Dance and Theater, and on WBUR’s Cognoscenti page. Follow him on Twitter with the handle @theaterhistory.