Tawfiq Al Hakim

Tawfik al-Hakim was an Egyptian novelist, playwright, and essayist, considered a pioneer of modern Arabic drama and fiction. After studying in Cairo and Paris, he returned in 1928 with the aim of reshaping Arabic theatre by blending European influences with Arab culture and philosophy. His breakthrough came with The People of the Cave (1933), followed by plays like Shahrazad (1934) and The Enchanted Castle (1936), which introduced innovative dramatic techniques rooted in myth, history, and storytelling.

Throughout his career, al-Hakim explored symbolism, allegory, and realism, reflecting Egypt’s social and political transformations in works such as Soft Hands (1954) and The Perplexed Sultan (1960). Later plays, including The Fate of a Cockroach (1966), addressed existential and absurdist themes. Many of his works were adapted for stage and screen, solidifying his place as a central figure in modern Arabic literature.