Drama: a composition in prose or verse presenting in dialogue or pantomime a story involving conflict or contrast of character, especially one intended to be acted on the stage; a play.
When I think of Islam, the last thing I would associate it with is drama. However, Shakespeare called all the world a stage. Therefore, drama is history. History is drama. Life is drama. "And the life of this world is nothing but play and amusement. . ." (Al-An am 6:32)
As oral knowledge developed in the Middle East, drama became a means by which Muslims could commemorate one of the greatest martyrs during Umayyad Dynasty. What began as a way to preserve the history of one single war has now become the great "Islamic Drama." It is ritualistic. It is powerful. It is Ta'ziyeh.
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| A depiction of Ta'ziyeh being performed anciently |
Following the death of the prophet Muhammed and extending into Umayyad Dynasty, conflicting opinions on who should lead the people began to arise, which led to the creation of the two parties in Islam: Shi'ites and Sunnites. Shi'ites believed that descendents of Muhammed should lead; Sunnites belived that elected officials should lead. In A.D. 680, these conflicting opinons came to a bloody climax as Sunnite leader Yazid ambushed Shi'ite leader Hussein, leaving Hussein and his entourage destitute in the desert before slaughtering them. The death was recognized by Shi'ites as a martyr and a dramatic ritual was born to mourn the loss of their great leader.
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| Ta'ziyeh being performed today |
Although I am not Islamic by any means, as I reflect on Ta'ziyeh, I've come to realize that we as members of the Church constantly utilize the oral knowledge and drama to remember our history. Think of the Manti pageant. Think of the Martin Harris pageant. Think Nauvoo today. In this way, we are just like Muslims. They have their drama; we have ours. But all use the art form. Because history is drama. And drama preserves history.
I read the article about the Battle of Kerbela that you posted the link to.
ReplyDeleteIt's fascinating to see the development of this drama over the course of a millenium.
Originally, the parts of the protagonists were sung, whereas the parts of the antagonists were simply spoken. This kind of goes back to a comment made on Catherine's last post about how music communicates so much more than mere words can express. It makes perfect sense that the Shi'ites would want to have more of an emotional connection to the characters representing their side; hence, their parts were sung. The contrast between the sung and spoken parts I imagine could have an almost dehumanizing effect on the antagonists.
This made me flash back to the three different pioneer treks reenactments I have participated in in remembrance of the Martin Handcart Company. Walking or preforming in remembrance of our ancestors is a profoundly spiritual and moving experience that strengthens the bonds between us and those who walked this earth before us.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Samuel. The antagonists parts purposely being spoken while the rest of the protagonists was sung would make the antagonists seem emotionless and callous with no respect for human life.
I'd like to add something interesting about Western drama that conflicts with the antagonists' speaking and the protagonists' singing in Islamic drama.
ReplyDeleteIn Western Baroque opera, the hero is written for castrati. It seems silly to hear high-pitched men singing the masculine, hero role, but that's how it was. Now, these roles are played by counter-tenors.
One thing that I enjoy from Islamic drama and music is the emotional overtones that convey a more serious tone. This, in contrast to many of our more light-hearted tunes seems to convey more maturity, more seriousness and something that gives others a glimpse into the culture. I love how drama and music transcend cultural barriers :)
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