The Drunk is not Drunk: Sabah Atwan’s Al Mahata (The Train Station)

Abstract

The role of the drunk in Al Mahata is vital to the structural design of the comedy where many ample powerful themes are highlighted. Atwan magnificently and professionally draws the character of the drunk to appear very convincing. Also, he masterfully manifests different stages of drunkenness where each stage explores an area. To achieve this goal, he maintains a rhythmic and smooth development for each stage without any recognizable drawbacks. The paper aims to examine the comedy that is created by using a drunk character. Also, it attempts to address the facts/ realities that require further investigations: The Drunk’s relation with other characters; ills/ good in society, the Drunk’s own concerns and issues and the way this character sees the world. Indeed, the approach that The Drunk physicalises and vocalises his character with has won the audience applause for three times throughout the performance. Accordingly, his excellent performance adds to and elevates the whole performance. Finally, it is very safe to argue that the drunk in Al Mahata is subtle.