Can the definitive portrait of an Arab legend be painted without shattering the myths held by his millions of followers?

For centuries, Al-Mutanabbi has remained the most towering figure in Arabic literature—a man whose life and verse are deeply woven into the fabric of national identity. In Al-Mutanabbi in Light of Drama, Mamdouh Adwan reflects on the Herculean task of humanizing this "symbol of the nation" for the screen. Drawing from two years of intensive research for his acclaimed television series, Adwan moves beyond traditional hagiography to explore the psychological depths and historical realities of the poet. He navigates the treacherous waters between documented history and the public’s fierce devotion, offering a masterclass on how drama can breathe new life into an icon while dissecting the complex relationship between a hero and his audience.