Step into the haunting, thought-provoking world of The City of Faceless Masks, a masterful play by Tunisian playwright Emad Elahi, now translated into English for the first time. Set in a dystopian city where masks define every citizen's role?judge, worker, ruler, or pauper?this allegorical drama explores the depths of identity, freedom, and the unseen chains of conformity. The story follows Nael, a restless worker whose quiet rebellion ignites a journey to uncover the truth beneath the masks, challenging the sacred order upheld by a mysterious Ruler.

From the eerie opening scene in a faceless square dominated by a towering, featureless statue, to the climactic revelation of the Ruler's empty visage, the play weaves a tapestry of poetic dialogue and symbolic imagery. The Narrator's ironic voice guides us through a society where questions are forbidden, and the removal of a mask is both liberation and chaos. As Nael allies with figures like Layla and the enigmatic Sheikh Haroun, the city teeters between order and anarchy, forcing its inhabitants to confront their true selves?or the void where their identities once hid.

Rich with existential inquiry, The City of Faceless Masks delves into the human condition, questioning whether freedom is a gift or a burden when the mind remains imprisoned. Its modern Arabic theatrical roots shine through in its lyrical cadence and social critique, yet its themes resonate universally, echoing the works of Kafka, Sartre, and Orwell. The open-ended conclusion, set on a hill at dawn, leaves audiences pondering: Is this the end of an era, or the birth of a new beginning?

This carefully translated edition preserves the play's rhythmic beauty and cultural depth, offering a bridge between traditions and a powerful stage experience. Ideal for theater practitioners, philosophers, and lovers of dramatic literature, it invites reflection on the masks we wear in our own lives. With its blend of rebellion, mystery, and hope, this play is a timeless exploration of what it means to be human.

Emad Elahi, a Tunisian playwright, blends allegory and existential themes in modern Arabic theater. Known for The City of Faceless Masks, his lyrical style critiques conformity and explores identity, shaped by his cultural roots and passion for literature.