Cover -- Half Title -- Title Page -- Copyright Page -- Original Copyright Page -- Table of Contents -- PREFACE -- INTRODUCTION -- I THE BACKGROUND -- 1. Mimicry -- 2. The Passion Play -- 3. The Shadow Play -- a. The Beginnings -- b. The Turkish Contribution -- c. Arabic Performances in Mediaeval Egypt -- d. Further Development in Egypt -- e. Shadow Plays in Syria -- f. North African Shadow Plays -- g. Characteristics and Importance of the Shadow Theater -- II THE ARAB THEATER -- 1. The Beginnings -- a. Local Influences -- b. Foreign Influences -- 2. The Theater in Syria and Egypt