Mechanisms of Space Formation in Image Theatre by the Director in Arab Theatre

This study aimed to explore the mechanisms of space formation in image theatre as applied by Arab directors, given that experiences in image theatre have significantly impacted the Arab theatre scene. The study investigates the formation of space through the experiences of two Arab directors. The first is the Tunisian artist Al-Habib Shbiel, who established triangular theatre in 1978. The second is the Iraqi Salah Al-Qasab, who has extensive experience in space theatre and developed a unique language of performance based on expanding the audience’s appreciation experience. The authors reached several conclusions, including that image theatre elevates the audience to a heightened state of artistic engagement, as the aesthetic formation of space is both surprising and capable of capturing viewers’ perceptions. Additionally, the formation of space in this theatre relies on a philosophy rooted in dream-like, liturgical interpretations that utilize semantic transformation and generation. Consequently, this approach established a comprehensive space language, in which visual elements are employed until the stage becomes a space for visual formation.