Re-Reading Oppression: Salah Abdul-Saboor’s Night Traveller

With oppressive regimes regenerating themselves by applying practices commonly undertaken by dictatorships, the power of art remains an essential force that motivates the masses to resist and fight against the normalization of such abusive practices. Join us for a mini-festival that aims to analyze and track the dynamics of oppression, discrimination, and abuse when portrayed by three significant playwrights from the U.S., England, and Egypt. All readings will be followed by a brief conversation, and the event will conclude with a panel discussion and a Q&A with the directors, Marvin Carlson, and others. Discussion moderated by Frank Hentschker. Concept and dramaturgy by Salma S. Zohdi.

Salah Abdul-Saboor’s Night Traveller (1969)
Directed by Robin A. Eriksen & translated by M.M. Enani.

A black comedy set in a train heading to an unknown destination with three main characters: Narrator, Passenger, and Conductor. Throughout this absurdist narrative, the Conductor manipulates the Passenger’s identity by playing mind games and exerting oppressive practices.