Folklore...the spirit of theater

Abstract

Abstract: The article reviews the relationship between folklore, mythology, and theater, highlighting the influence of these popular legacies on the creativity of playwrights from ancient times to the modern era. The article focuses on how folkloric symbols are used to build characters and plot, promote societal issues, and shape cultural identity. The article demonstrates the diversity of methods for employing folklore, starting from presenting folk tales as they are to rephrasing them in new ways that add rich connotations to theatrical works. It also discusses the use of folklore in Arab theater through three positions: conservative, rejectionist, and dialogue’s, pointing out that the creative interaction between heritage and modernity enriches the theatrical experience and enhances the theater’s identity. He concludes the article contains recommendations that encourage the conduct of in-depth academic studies on the relationship between folklore and theatre and emphasizes the importance of creative inspiration from these popular legacies in enriching the arts and reviving cultural heritage. Keywords: theater; heritage; folklore; Mythology, rooting.