The Role of Theatrical Art in the Political Events of Erbil (1991–2003): A Historical and Analytical Study

Abstract

This study investigates the dynamic interplay between the artistic and political spheres in Erbil during a transformative era in the region's history. The primary objective is to analyze the structural shifts in theatrical texts and the socio-political status of artists following the 1991 Uprising (Raparin) until the fall of the former Iraqi regime in 2003.

Adopting a historical-analytical methodology, the research evaluates dramatic scripts and the institutional state of artistic troupes. The study is structured into three thematic sections: the first provides a historical overview of Erbil’s theater from 1970 to 1990; the second examines the theatrical movement’s response to pivotal political milestones, including the 1991 Uprising, the Mass Exodus, the establishment of the Kurdistan Parliament, the internal conflict, and the economic sanctions. The third section highlights the role of artists as agents of reconciliation and their sacrifices in pursuit of the national cause and the preservation of artistic autonomy.

The findings reveal that theater in Erbil during this period was not merely a passive reflection of events; rather, it emerged as a proactive force and a medium for civil pressure, advocating for national unity and critiquing corruption and tyranny. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that despite the challenges posed by political instability and displacement, the theatrical community succeeded in transforming the stage into a platform for dialogue, peace-building, and social cohesion.