Reviewing the Verisimilitude of Contemporary Ashura Dramas (Case Studies: “Al-Hurr Al-Riyahi, “Al-Hussein Thaeran” and “Al-Hussein”)

Verisimilitude is a significant element of stories and plays, and it depends on the degree of conformity of the work with external objectivity. This correspondence does not represent complete objectivity, which separates literary works from belletristic and historical texts. Verisimilitude means reflecting reality and bringing it back to life in a credible way for the audience. Extra-textual objectivity is a structure that each writer uses in their work based on their approach and literary style. Ashura's drama literature seeks to revive the Karbala incident in the form of a play. Determining the border between objectivity, belletristic, and imagination in these works has been the focus of this research. Many Arabic plays can be found, each dealing with the events of Karbala from a specific angle. Three prominent plays were selected: "Al-Har al-Riyahi" by Iraqi poet and writer Abd al-Razzaq Abd al-Wahed, "Al-Hussein Tha'era" by Egyptian author Abdul Rahman Sharqawi, and "Al-Hussein" by Syrian writer Walid Fazel. This study investigates the conformity of these three works of art with the objectivity of the history of Karbala using analytical-descriptive methods. Based on some findings from this research, authors have used various tools such as factual and historical characters, narration of historical events, use of logical and natural plots to strengthen the truthfulness of their works. However, Abdul Wahed's work has more tools than others. Shargawi's work is closer to narrating the history of Karbala than other two works. The aspect of religious realism can be found in special events in "Al-Hossein's" play.