In the realm of Arabic literature, few have reached the level of prominence and productivity that Tawfiq Al Hakim achieved, both in the quality and quantity of his works. Years later, his legacy survives as an author who challenged conventions and left an indelible mark on Arabic drama. Greatly influenced by the events of his time —which witnessed a significant literary revival across various genres in Arabic literature— Al Hakim made substantial contributions to several forms of prose. Playing a key role in their development, the author wrote essays, letters, short stories, novels, and drama. Born on 9 October 1903 in Alexandria to a well-to-do family with a father who worked in the judiciary, Al Hakim’s education was somewhat disrupted due to his father’s frequent relocations. However, he eventually settled in Cairo and decided to follow in his father’s footsteps, completing his bachelor’s degree in 1925. When Al Hakim went to Paris for further education, the cultural scene of the city pushed him to discover his passion for theater. He indulged his passion for attending and reading plays, acting, and trying his hand at writing for the theater by immersing…
Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Tawfiq Al Hakim, the “Dean of Dramatic Literature”
October 9, 2023
