Abstract

Shakespeare is among those theatrical icons highly celebrated in the Arab world. The aim in this paper is to investigate acculturation strategies commenced by theatre amateurs in performing Shakespeare’s plays in Saudi Arabia. Major to the acculturation process is Hakim’s argument to eradicate Arabic versions from supernatural elements rejected in the Islamic Arabic culture. Among references quoted in this study are John W. Berry’s acculturation steps and Robert Barton’s three I’s of investigation, inference and invention. This study follows the descriptive analytical method and relies on interviews and focus groups to trace those strategies endeavored in local adaptations of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, Macbeth and Hamlet. Figures demonstrate not only the different sectors in Saudi amateur theatre, but also their strategies in acculturation for the aim of staging to different audiences. One of the most important figures is the module recommended in the conclusion to facilitate the tasks of directors in performing Shakespeare and Classics to non-English audiences.

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