<P>Translations of twelve popular Arabic plays written and produced during the past thirty years introduce English readers to the vibrant theater scene of the Arab world. The plays -- from Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Tunisia -- reflect a variety of dramatic trends and styles and provide insights into contemporary social, cultural, and political currents. This well-prepared anthology represents a unique contribution to the study of world drama and modern Middle Eastern culture.</P><P>Playwrights include Yusuf al-`Ani, `Abd al-`Aziz al-Surayii`, the Balalin Company of Jerusalem, `Izz al-Din al-Madani, Mahmud Diyab, Alfred Farag, Walid Ikhlasi, `Isam Mahfuz, Salah `Abd al-Sabur, `Ali Salim, Mamduh `Udwan, and Sa`dallah Wannus.</P>