The Sultan and the Executioner

The Sultan and the Executioner is the English version of the original play Samir Sobhy had written and published in Arabic. It is in three acts, and fourteen, rather short, scenes (5, 4, and 5). Borrowing from the settings of "One Thousand and One Night," the play is filled with the usual characters: a sultan; his vizier, wives, slave girls, etc. These colorful characters populate the rooms of the sultan's palace, which are vibrating with music and song, as well as jealousy and intrigue. Though somewhat of a tale, this is not an adventure, but rather a psychological presentation of a sudden, unlikely, and all-engulfing friendship between the Sultan and his Executioner. Both protagonists are uncharacteristic: the Sultan is sensitive, modest, kind, and tolerant; convinced that his main role is to take care of his subjects and ensure their welfare and happiness. The executioner has a very clear mind, deep wisdom, and a philosophical approach to life and death, allowing him to perform his duties with perfectly calm and clear conscious. He is also unusually witty. Both characters did not foresee the effect of this close friendship on their life.