- Tawfīq al-Ḥakīm’s (1898 – 1987, Egypt) play Īzīs (‘Izis’, 1955), in which the writer derived his inspiration from an ancient Egyptian myth but relates it to modern times. The play addresses the inner struggle between good and bad, represented by Ūzūrīs and his brother Sith respectively, as well as the question whether the end justifies the means (reference). When Ūzūrīs, throne of Egypt, disappears at the hands of Sith after attending his brother’s party, Īzīs commits to finding him together with their son Ḥūrus. The play describes Tūt, who refuses to make use of his skills to help Īzīs, when she asks him to assist in the search out of fear of Sith.
- Nawāl al-Saʿadāwī (1931 – 2021, Egypt) play Īzīs (‘Izis’, 1986) is a re-evaluation of the Egyptian goddess, and of the above-mentioned play by Tawfīq al-Ḥakīm. She attributes a stronger role to the female characters, such as Īzīs, which criticizes the author’s patriarchal society which is symbolized through the characters such as the sun-God Ra. Ra is modeled after Arab dictators and together with Sith rids of the earth-king Ūzūrīs. Īzīs, who is Ūzūrīs wife, resurrects him and produces a son (Ḥūrus) who revenges Sit by cutting of his testicles. Īzīs, however, being a merciful goddess, decides to let Sith live (reference).
Refrences:
In order of appearance
- EAL, p. 264
- Nina Youkhanna. 2018. “Translation: Isis: A Play on Two Acts by Nawal el-Saadawi.” The World Hoard 1(6): 62- 71, p. 63