Marun Al Naqqash

Al Naqqash was born in Sidon on 9 February 1817 into a Maronite family.[1] In 1825 his family moved to Beirut where he studied Arabic language, literature in addition to law and foreign languages, including French, Italian and Turkish.[1][2] He also involved in poetry, Oriental music and was educated as a bookkeeper.[1]

Following the completion of his studies Al Naqqash began to work as a chief clerk at the customs department and became a member of the chamber of commerce in Beirut.[1] He traveled to Damascus, Aleppo and Egypt for business.[2][3] In 1846 he went to Italy where he was introduced the Italian theatre and opera.[2] After he returned to Lebanon he translated The Miser, a play by Molière, into Arabic and published it with the title Al-bakhīl in 1847 which was the first Arabic play text.[2][3] Al-bakhīl was written in the standard Arabic[4] and in verse rather than in prose which made it ready for musical performance.[1]

Al Naqqash also established a theatre near to his Beirut home after granting a permission from the Ottomans where Al-bakhīl was performed in 1847.[3] Then he produced two original plays in 1850 and 1853.[3] The first one was Abu Al Hasan al-Mughaffal aw Harun Al Rashid (Abu Al Hasan the Gullible or the Caliph Harun Al Rashid) which was an adaptation of the One Thousand and One Nights.[1] This second play was also performed at his theatre.[1] His last play was entitled Al Salit al-Hasud (The Impudent and Jealous Young Man) which was also performed.[1]

His nephew, Salim Al Naqqash, also involved in theatre and formed a theatrical troupe.[3]

Al Naqqash went to Tarsus on 19 September 1854 for business.[1] While staying there he died of fever on 1 June 1855 at age 38.[1]